How Differing Approaches to the January Transfer Window are Having an Effect on the Premier League

Aston Villa are reaping the rewards of a busy January transfer window. However, Arsenal’s failure to act has seemingly put the nail in the coffin of their title challenge. 

We take a look at how the winter window has affected the Premier League and how punters can take advantage in the weeks to come. 

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

City and Villa Roll the Dice

Aston Villa 

Aston Villa faced a dilemma in the latter stages of the window when Jhon Duran was the subject of a big bid from Al-Nassr. The striker was a key part of their attack but his departure has enabled them to add depth to their forward line. 

Donyell Malen was brought in for a fee. The club also secured loan deals for Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, both of whom have started well. Asensio looks at home in the Aston Villa midfield. His wide range of passing and willingness to get stuck in have quickly made him a key player for Unai Emery. The Spaniard netted both of Villa’s goals as they beat Chelsea 2-1 at the weekend. Expect him to shine in the weeks to come. Rashford has looked revitalised at his new club. He assisted both of Asensio’s goals and has looked sharp in his other outings. Malen is still waiting for his first goal contribution but he has been willing to get the shots away.

It’s Crystal Palace up next for Villa and we are backing them to net a couple of goals. The competition for places in forward areas looks to have had a positive impact. The Villains have netted twice against both Chelsea and Liverpool in the past seven days and should have success against Palace.  Emery’s side scored twice and accumulated an xG of 3.11 in the reverse fixture. Villa will be hoping their reinforcements can catapult them to another top-four finish. 

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta chose not to delve into the market in January and it is a decision that appears to have proven costly. At that point, both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus were ruled out for the remainder of the season. Since then, Kai Havertz has also been ruled out for a lengthy period and they are also without Gabriel Martinelli. Arsenal are now down to barebones up top and the lack of goals could hurt them.

Mikel Merino, a midfielder, started up front for the Gunners against West Ham after coming off the bench and snatching two goals against Leicester. He has the tools to do a job for Arsenal in forward areas but relying on a midfielder to play as the lone striker in the midst of a title challenge is cause for concern. Arsenal also need to navigate their way through the Champions League. Another injury to an attacker would spell even more trouble for Arteta. 

Arsenal were beaten 1-0 by West Ham at the weekend. They had 20 shots but just two of them found the target. Their goal-scoring woes could continue when they face Nottingham Forest. The Gunners have scored one goal or less in their last five Premier League away matches against teams who are currently in the top half. 

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola’s side were in real danger of missing out on the top four after a torid run-up to Christmas. They still face a fight to qualify for the Champions League but their lavish winter spending has given them the edge over their rivals. 

Omar Marmoush has certainly hit the ground running. He scored a hat-trick as City beat Newcastle 4-0 in their last home game. Pep’s team are currently above the Magpies on goal difference so that emphatic scoreline could prove crucial come the end of the season. Nico Gonzalez has also helped fill the midfield void that was left by Rodri’s injury. Nico’s strong physical presence and composure make City less vulnerable to the counter.

Manchester City were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool at the weekend but there wasn’t a lot in the game in terms of quality chances created. They can get back to winning ways when they face an injury-hit Spurs. City managed to win 2-0 the last time they played a league match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, ending a miserable run of results there. 

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