Players need to feel the pressure of new signings

I'm sure we all agree that last summer we played our hand poorly in the transfer window.

Players need to feel under pressure from new signings and that just didn't happen.

Remember the season before when Kolo Toure allegedly said "When you look at the performance of Savic against QPR – excuse me, I'm relaxed." It meant he felt no pressure for his place and he could play below 100% and still retain his place in the team.

Zabba and Micah wouldn't be worried by Maicon, though Zabba gives his all anyway.

Barry wouldn't have been worried by Garcia, though Barry has been pretty good most of the season anyway.

Lezza probably underestimated Nasty and look where Lezza is heading now - out of the door.

Yaya didn't worry about Rodwell, but Yaya is a beast anyway.

Our forwards had no-one new to pressure them, though Tevez started well and puts the effort in as does Sergio.

No-one had to worry about Sinclair as we don't play with wide men.

Nasri hasn't had to worry about his place until recently regardless of how little effort he showed.

Richard Wright - don't see the point of him really.

My point is that players need to feel that their place is under pressure when we buy new talent. Then, hopefully, they will up their game.

In summary, competition for places keeps everyone on their toes......but that competition has to be equal if not better. This was the problem as you say Dawg, it wasn't and we've slipped. This needs to be addressed in the close season if we're to try and regain our PL crown, if it's not we'll continue to struggle.