Gonzalo Higuain, Denis Suarez, Peter Crouch: How did your new Premier League signings get on?
Monday 4 February 2019 07:15, UK
With the January transfer window shut for another year, there have been some new faces gracing the Premier League, but how did they fare at the weekend?
Here, we look at the latest recruits and assess their impact...
Gonzalo Higuain (Chelsea)
Gonzalo Higuain impressed on his first home appearance for Chelsea and took just 16 minutes to break the deadlock with a sharp finish at the near post. He linked up well with Eden Hazard before netting a second with a curling strike that was helped on its way into the net by a deflection.
Maurizio Sarri said afterwards that Higuain looks "very suitable" to play alongside Hazard and if the partnership can flourish further then it would be a huge boost for the Blues in their pursuit of a top-four finish.
January signing Karlan Grant made his debut as a second-half substitute for Huddersfield but only had four touches.
Michy Batshuyai (Crystal Palace)
It may have only been a brief 10-minute cameo from Michy Batshuayi as Crystal Palace eased to a comfortable victory over Fulham, but it would have been enough to send Eagles fans home salivating.
The much-maligned forward, who joined on-loan from Chelsea on Deadline Day, showed real quality to beat his man and fire a shot towards goal which was parried into the path of Jeffrey Schlupp for Palace's second.
If it is a sign of things to come, Palace may have stumbled on a real gem that will help fire them further towards Premier League safety.
Denis Suarez (Arsenal)
Denis Suarez endured a difficult debut at Manchester City, coming on for Unai Emery's side as a 66th-minute replacement for Sead Kolasinac, by which time the visitors were already 3-1 down.
The loan signing from Barcelona had just 19 touches in his time on the pitch as City strolled towards the three points.
The Gunners failed to muster a single shot in the second half and needed Bernd Leno in goal to prevent an even heavier defeat, but Suarez will expect to have more of an impact when Arsenal visit Huddersfield in the Premier League next week.
Peter Crouch (Burnley)
More than just a cameo, Peter Crouch came on and tormented the Saints backline with his imposing frame. The former England international was instrumental in earning his side a penalty, as Saints defender Jack Stephens had to use his hands simply to contend with Crouch's height. Not quite an assist, but a solid debut and exactly what Sean Dyche was looking for.
Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth)
Despite signing for Bournemouth on January 4, an injury had kept Dominic Solanke on the sidelines and he finally made his debut and first start for the south coast club against Cardiff - although it will not be a game he will want to remember for long.
Bournemouth never got going at an emotional Cardiff City Stadium although Solanke did play some nice passes. With Callum Wilson out injured himself, the striker will get a chance to prove himself further and next up is his former side, Liverpool. What an occasion it could be for the 21-year-old.
Leandro Bacuna also made his debut for Cardiff, coming on as an 86th minute substitute, although the hosts were looking comfortable by then.
