I wouldn't call the Wigan performance "vintage" - but it doesn't make the three points any less enjoyable. I've been itching for a Cabaye goal all season, and I am happy to announce that this is the first game in which I haven't whacked him on as first scorer, so can you please all send your thanks my way. This was another game in which we improved on last seasons return. I have a treat for all of you stats fans out there, with a like-for-like comparison between this season and last seasons fixtures. Get ready. Last seasons points are in brackets.

Arsenal (h) 1 (1)
Blunderland (a) 3 (1)
Fulham (h) 3 (1)
QPR 1 (N/A)
Villa 1 (0)
Blackburn 3 (0)
Wolves 3 (1)
Spurs 1 (1)
Wigan 3 (1)

My maths tells me that we are currently 12 points better off on like for like games (discounting the QPR game). I believe this is what those in the know call "progress" - and no one can argue that we have not progressed in the last 12 months, despite the Armageddon that was predicted after the sale of Nolan, Barton, Jose and he who shall not be named. Could it be that they were more damaging than good? Did they have too much of a voice in the dressing room? You could argue that the players are now listening to just one man, and that's the gaffer.

It would be churlish to even think about Europe at this early stage, but what is really nice at the moment is the fact that you are looking out for the Spurs, Liverpool and Chelsea scores as opposed to wondering how Swansea, Blackburn and West Brom are getting on. The cheer that went up in the pub when Grant Holt (still adamant he'll get 10 goals this year) buried the equaliser at Liverpool on Saturday night was reminiscent of the early noughties when we were a genuine rival of the Scousers. I should add, that there was a hint of irony in the cheers I feel - but it's still nice while it's lasting.

Coming up is a rather difficult set of league fixtures. A trip to the Anti-Football Establishment of England is followed by a home game with an Everton side who seem to be finding their feet after their standard awful start to a season. We then travel to Manchester (twice), Norwich and then welcome AVB (as the cool kids call him) to SJP for the first time. If we can come out of those games unbeaten, then you have my word that I will donate twenty big ones to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. It's not for the lack of faith in this side, because believe me as the weeks go on I am falling in love with every single one of them, particularly you Yohan where my man crush has gone beyond worrying for my girlfriend. But, when you look at the manner in which Man City tore the Home Counties XI apart on Sunday, it is hard not to think of that game without feeling a mild state of panic. Plus, I'd hardly call the Home Counties a bad side - I mean, 19 league titles is nothing to be sniffed at and they have one or two players who would make our bench. We never see to have much joy at the Anti-Football Establishment of England, Norwich are hardly rolling over as many expected and I'd put it out there that Chelsea are a decent side too. If we can come out of those 6 games with 8 points or more, then maybe we can consider ourselves real contenders for Europe. However, it should not be forgotten who has been in our position over the last few years. Hull, Burnley and Blackpool. What happened to them?

I hate to end this on a sour note, so I will leave you with a more cheerful thought. Two words.

The Dreamboat.