Monk: We lacked a cutting edge

1st August

Garry Monk felt his side lacked a cutting edge as the Swans were held to a draw by Deportivo La Coruna at the Liberty Stadium.
In what was the final game of pre-season for the home side, summer signing Andre Ayew come closest in the first half when his goal-bound shot was deflected wide.
Deportivo had appeals for a penalty turned down midway through the second period while the hosts finished strongly as Jefferson Montero saw a shot saved and Ki Sung-Yueng fired over the bar.



"It's hard what to make of the game really," said Monk. "We started well, we were on the front foot and should have scored when we had the momentum.
"The match came in spurts really but it was a good workout once again and the players got the minutes they needed.
"Both teams wanted to win, it was an honest game, but we just couldn't find that killer touch in the final third.
"But we'll get sharper as the week goes on and look ahead to the trip to Chelsea."
The Swans now head to Stamford Bridge next Saturday (August 8) as their Barclays Premier League campaign gets underway against the reigning champions (5.30pm).
And Monk is fully aware of the tough task that awaits his squad but he insists they head to the capital full of confidence.
"We are under no illusions of how hard a task it will be," he said. "But we have a fully-fit squad, we'll prepare the way we always do and hopefully put on a good show.
"We are determined to try and improve on what we did last year but we know it will be very difficult.
"I think it will be the hardest year in the Premier League due to the TV money coming in next season and you can see that with how different clubs have strengthened this summer."