It's very likely that I'm going to be a bit repetitive again with my praise this week for the eleventh league game in a row. We've won seven and drawn four. Who'd have thought it? We are constantly reminded that we are yet to play any of real quality so far this season. I suppose that Champions League participants, Arsenal, don't count. Neither does Spurs who have the Welsh Maradona in their ranks. Then you have Europa League participants Fulham and Stoke who we eased past. Everton are no mugs either. In fact I thought they were very good. Not entirely sure how they are 4th bottom but it certainly isn't an accurate reflection on them. Royston Drenthe caused us no end of problems with his skills and trickery. Saha could have had a couple on another day and Rodwell is a cracking player in the making. I suppose their downfall is their back four. Every time we attacked they seemed to panic - which was emphasised through the own goal conceded by Heitinga. Poor positioning and a poor decision if you ask me, although, I have to wonder why Howard didn't call for it. Not that I'm complaining.

We won't see many better goals at SJP this season (or the season after that for that matter) than Ryan Taylor Over the Wall's tremendous half volley. His technique was brilliant, with the pace and lift on the effort giving Howard no chance. I was one of the groaners when Ryan was announced as left back in the Arsenal game, but since then he has looked very comfortable and filled the void left by Jose in the summer. I think his only bad performance was the QPR game where he was ripped to shreds by Wright-Phillips but that aside he has been brilliant. A lot of credit has to go to Jonas too however who has played as a second left back for a lot of the season so far. A combination of this and Simpson's efforts on the right are what have contributed to us having the best defensive record in the league after over a quarter of the season. Brilliant effort.

Of course, this record will be tested to the maximum in the coming three games when we play our top four...ahem...rivals. Even the most optimistic fan will concede that we aren't very likely to get anything from our trip to Eastlands. Especially when you consider that we could be without the Dreamboat and Marveux, as well as Best and Obertan who have all been vital in our great start to the season. In Gosling and Guthrie, we have two very capable players. For all of Guthrie's detractors he has put in two brilliant performances - and I think he is the type of player who revels in confidence. The performances and plaudits he has received will do him no end of good. Additionally, having watched QPR give Man City a hell of a scare in the evening kick off - there is cause for some optimism. Let's be honest, Bothroyd is hardly what you'd call one of the more prolific strikers in the league (case in point - the game against us) so there is room for some misplaced optimism.

If we can come out of the next three games with three points, or even one, then that will be a good return. Although we have come on leaps and bounds this season, we are nowhere near the level of these boys. As long as we go in there with some fight, determination and effort then I'll be fairly content. In the meantime though, let's enjoy the next fortnight of being in the top four. We all know it's unlikely to last the season but it doesn't stop it from being bloody good fun for the time being.