Am I the only Arsenal fan that thinks Mertesacker taking the No. 4 is a bit odd?
Also, subjective grade for EPL teams:
Arsenal B-
Addressed critical needs in all areas, but is more of a glue than a long-term fix. Still, will be good to have the experienced players around so the youths can learn from them. Arteta will be expected to slot in for Cesc, which is a tall ask.
The general consensus, though, is Arsenal had a terrible transfer window after losing No. 4 and 8, respectively. No amount of panic buying will replace them.
Aston Villa C
Money made from selling their best wingers, made some splashes for Tottenham rejects at the end. More of the same to come from AVL I think.
Blackburn C-
Scott Dann is an experienced defender and will probably fill in immediately to the void left by Phil Jones. Yakubu signing made me laugh a little. What is Blackburn, a team linked with Ronaldinho and Raul, to say the least, doing with their money? Venky's is clueless.
Bolton C+
Kept Gary Cahill, but if you're relying on David N'Gog for goals, you've got a problem.
Chelsea B+
All seemed a bit too quiet at Stamford Bridge. However, if deployed in the attacking formation AvB wants, Juan Mata and Raul Meireles will represent some of the best signings of this transfer window. Well played, but now Chelsea have to be careful of their rapidly aging defensive line. Terry looks ANCIENT.
Everton D+
Nice that Royson Drenthe is in, that will recoup some of the attack that is gone now that Arteta, Beckford, and Yakubu are gone. Must be hard to be a Toffee right now though, after Everton rebuffed Arsenal only for Arteta himself to push the deal through. Poor Moyes has done so well with no money to work with, but it could turn ugly really fast.
Fulham B
Waited for ages to get Bryan Ruiz after Newcastle tried to hijack the deal. Balanced the squad pretty well after acquiring Grygera.
Liverpool B+
Got rid of the deadwood associated with Woy (Poulsen LOL, Cole LOLOLOL), and brought in excellent English talent. Overspent, which is why I won't give them an A, but it could be a bold move by King Kenny that pays the big dividends.
Manchester City B+
How can you argue with money. Got everybody they wanted, and even shed Adebayor partially off their books by tossing him at Tottenham. SWP never did anything of note either. Nasri takes the headlines, and already has telepathy with David Silva. This team is bloody scary now.
Would not underestimate the purchase of Owen Hargreaves either. Good Man United player, the pay-as-you-play contract he has is excellent for Man City.
Manchester United A
Got the job done early, and how can you argue with an 8-2 drubbing, especially with that makeshift defensive line?
Newcastle C+
Benefit of the doubt, as Ashley spent for Davide Santon, who will be a good replacement for the lost Jose Enrique (who, I should mention, might be the best signing Liverpool made IMO). But where's the striker? Leon Best is good, but not starter material.
Norwich No grade
I didn't pay attention to Norwich, but they were quiet most of the transfer window. Got a lot of business done early, but I honestly have NO idea about this club. They play well though, as evidenced by nearly nicking a point at the Bridge.
QPR D-
Panic buy much? The new ownership released the purse strings and in came a whole bunch of reinforcements. Are they the right kind? Aside from Barton, I don't think so.
They get a bad grade from me just because they think Traore is a good enough player to take on loan
Stoke B+
As much as I HATE Stoke, have to admit they strengthened very well. Crouch fits into a Pulis side perfectly, and will be on the receiving end of those stupid Rory Delap throw-ins. Stoke are also opening up the attack a little bit, somehow Pulis has 5 CBs and can still push forward. Must be his scary good wingers.
Sunderland C
Nicklas Bendtner?
Swansea No grade
Hard to judge Swansea as they don't have the same pay scale as the big boys. Really need a good striker to provide that outlet for Scott Sinclair, but didn't get it.
Tottenham D
Turned 40 million away to keep Modric, and honestly he's not even worth that much. If he sleepwalks the way he did against Man City, 'Arry will have big trouble on his hands. Also failed to get Cahill. Scott Parker is a good signing for a quiet club.
West Brom C+
Shane Long was an excellent buy. Not signing a defender might be pretty dumb.
Wigan C
Has anybody tried telling Martinez that Hugo Rodallega CANNOT hold the line by himself?
Wolves B+
Roger Johnson has already contributed to two clean sheets this season, when Wolves had 4 all of last season. Astute signing by McCarthy. Wolves are a sleeper pick to do well this season. I think upper mid-table, especially with Jamie O'Hara returning on a full contract.