Watching Arsene Wenger gleam like a Cheshire cat after his side’s victory over Spurs was one of my favourite moments in the one hour highlights show on Monday night.
Not because I am a Gunners fan, but because of his retort when being interviewed.
When probed if he had any signings up his sleeve come transfer deadline day, he replied “…maybe I will surprise you!”
He’s certainly done that, returning fire to the growing discontent from the Arsenal fans – who were begging for a big name signing – delivering the creative Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid.
This was one of the big deals in what was an engrossing day for EPL fans.
Many an EPL fan in Oz would have been analysing the potential impact of the ins and outs of players to their team’s title or survival aspirations. What a great day to be a football fan!
Other than Ozil’s move, there are some other very intriguing players to watch:
Everton
With new gaffer Roberto Martinez not having a great attacking start to the season, acquiring Romelu Lukaku on loan could be a gold nugget for the Toffees.
If he can do what he did at West Bromwich Albion last year and combine with his international companion, Kevin Miralles, along with new additions James McCarthy (from Wigan) and Gareth Barry (on loan from Man City), I expect Everton to improve quickly.
Manchester United
On the surface, the money dished out by the Red Devils to partner the fuzzy haired one with his old boss seems to be extravagant.
True, Marouane Fellaini had a great last campaign at Goodison Park, but do United need his style of player there? Time will tell.
An Ozil deal for Man U would have been tantalising for the Old Trafford faithful.
Arsenal
No doubt this is a big coup for Arsenal and Ozil is a great player, providing many assists for the Real Madrid goal scorers in his few years there.
The question is, have they signed a big name player in a position where they need the least help?
Wenger will need to rely on Olivier Giroud keeping up his good form and Ozil’s service will help, but they are very thin in the striking stocks and signing a big name striker, along the lines of the enigmatic Luis Suarez, may have been wiser as their current midfield, where Ozil will slot in, is not one of their weaknesses.
Liverpool
The Reds have been very astute with their transfers to date and the on-loan signing of Victor Moses could prove to be a gold mine when he links up with Daniel Sturridge and/or Suarez.
Coupled with the balance of defensive signings in Tiago Ilori from Sporting Lisbon and Mamadou Sakho from Paris Saint Germain, I like what they have done to help them bolster the top spot.
West Bromwich Albion
I admire what the midlands club has done to improve their poor start to the season.
Bringing in Stéphane Sessegnon from Sunderland, Scott Sinclair from Man City and Victor Anichebe from Everton should stimulate the goal flow.
Chelsea
Although not signed on deadline day, Jose Mourinho has brought in more creativity into his already formidable midfield, with the signing of Willian from the Russian top flight.
Watching him and compatriot Fernandinho in the UCL last year for Shaktar Donetsk was an absolute pleasure for any football fan. If he can bring that creative samba flair to the Blues, then he could be a real hit in the EPL.
Samuel Eto’o is also an interesting move by the ‘Special One’. In his day, the Cameroonian was lethal and if he can have a Didier Drogba-like impact, Chelsea could be nudging the silverware come next May.
Other players to watch:
Libor Kozak – (Lazio to Aston Villa)
Villa have signed the leading scorer from the Europa League last year and, at 6 foot 4, he may form an imposing partnership with the impressive Christian Benteke (6 foot 3)
Peter Odemwingie (WBA to Cardiff City)
There’s no doubt the former Nigerian international has talent. Whether he can tap into that again after a tumultuous last few years at the Hawthornes remains to be seen. He and Frazier Campbell could form a good partnership up front.
The international break will keep football lovers in suspense and allow the new signings to settle in before they hit the pitches again on September 14.
Until then, the banter among EPL fans of their teams’ changing fortunes will continue.
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