Closing Time: You Don't Have to Go Home, but You Can't Trade Here

February 3^rd marked the ending of the January transfer window in the Premier League. Originally, the window was supposed to close at 5 pm on the 2^nd, but due to a winter storm, the FA extended the window until the 3^rd. So why is this so important? Well, like the baseball trade deadline, teams are no longer allowed to sign or buy players from other teams. This was the last chance for the English League clubs to improve their roster for the last leg of league play and cup races. As the final extension closed, some big name teams were able to score some big names.

• Chelsea picked up midfielder Ricardo Quaresma from Inter Milan
• Tottenham picked up their former captain Robbie Keane after his short spell with Liverpool
• Arsenal added much needed fire power with forward Andrei Arshavin from Zenit St Petersburg
• Manchester City picked up Shay Given from struggling Newcastle United
• Aston Villa was able to persuade Gareth Barry to stay after he had requested a move during the summer

With 14 games left to play in the Premier League, the last few stages of the FA Cup and the UEFA Cup around the corner, these teams are hoping that they have made strong moves. Chelsea is in a must win situation to overcome Manchester United for the Premier League Championship, and to continue in the knock -out rounds in both the FA Cup and the UEFA Cup. Tottenham is also in a much win situation as the club faces relegation to the English League Championship and being knocked out in the UEFA Cup, and the finals of the Carling Cup. Arsenal is sitting in the 5^th position in the league after finishing in 3^rd place last year. Russian superstar Andrei Arshavin has been added to increase their forward striking and lead Arsenal into the top 3. Aston Villa was able to persuade Gareth Barry to stay with the club after his summer saga of wanting a transfer. His late change of heart may have something to do with the fact that the club tied Chelsea for the third spot in the Premier League, as well as opportunities to win hardware in both the FA Cup and UEFA Cup competition. Finally, Manchester City is continuing their spending spree. With their recent acquisition of goalie Shay Given, Manchester City hopes this final piece will complete their team so they can move up in the league standings.

Man City’s spending has caught the eye of yet another outsider. Bayern Munich general manager, Uli Hoeness, is taking great pleasure in watching Man City fail to capitalize in the league after spending large sums of money on players. Uli Hoeness has been known for running a tight budget and ironically has been a dominate force in the German League for the last two decades. This illustrates that dominate teams do not need an equally fantastic payroll in order to win championships…a lesson Manchester City can learn.