When a team records a slightly-underwhelming draw, you will often hear pundits or managers suggest it will be viewed better if it's followed up by a win.
That is arguably an approach Manchester City could take when assessing their January transfer window, which was as quiet as everybody expected.
Ferran Torres wanted to leave and got his transfer to Barcelona, earning City an immediate profit of £26m, potentially rising further, while there was a surprise arrival in the form of Argentina international Julian Alvarez. The 21-year-old will remain on loan at River Plate until July at least, but is seen as a City player in the future, and could take Torres' place in the squad.
When Torres left, Pep Guardiola made clear that his departure wouldn't mean a striker is signed this month, or at least not the big-name player like Erling Haaland or Harry Kane that fans are desperate for.
Alvarez doesn't fit that bill, and his £14.1m arrival won't disrupt City's planning for that striker in the summer. In fact, if they put the profit made on Torres towards Alvarez's signing, they'd still have change to put towards someone in the summer.
Even before January, Guardiola had reiterated the idea that City wouldn't enter the January market for their high-profile forward. The club rarely make big signings in the winter, as they feel there is better value in the summer. The signings made by Newcastle, Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham this month back that theory up, with some impressive signings but at premium prices.
City have been justified in sticking to their principles, and have arguably surpassed the expectations they promised by signing Alvarez.
Now, they must ensure their quiet January is followed up with a big summer. They have coped brilliantly without a striker for a year and a half now, and have managed to continue to dominate English football despite losing Sergio Aguero and Torres.
They could arguably do it again next year, but one thing Guardiola has proved since joining in 2016 is the need to continually evolve with personnel or tactics. A world-class striker will make City even stronger next season and keep their existing players on their toes.
It's a challenge Guardiola will have made Txiki Begiristain well aware of, and the transfer supremo will have the summer strategy well underway.
It could also help make the Alvarez signing a success, as he may benefit from a big signing joining at the same time. It would take the pressure off him, allow him to continue developing, and mean he doesn't carry the weight of being City's only striker next season. The profile of player the club are targeting for their big striker should relish being that first choice.
So now January is done, City can accelerate those transfer plans for the summer. Whether it's Haaland or Kane or someone else, City know the importance of backing up a relaxed January window with a big summer.
