Cowfold Seagull
Fan of the 17 bus
I think following completion of the tenth game, the worst we can be is 8th. It seems to be accepted that after 10 games you are where you are in the table by merit, not just a run of easier games.
With performances like yesterdays and Man City second halves we have shown that we can compete and do very well against the best teams in the League. we are unbeaten away, and have picked up points in all but two games
There is no doubt we are top ten on merit, and all indications are that we are well placed to maintain that throughout the coming months.
I think we still have to improve before we can say with any confidence that we are a top six side,and I dont think many of us believe we are, but the "long term" goal of being a top ten club may be closer than many of us thought at the start of the season. I actually think that qualifying for Europe (mad as it seems to be seriously saying that) this year would not be a good thing long term. While we have a great squad, the extra games would possibly be too much for us at present, and next season we could suffer in a similar way that other clubs have done.
A couple of seasons consolidating around 12-8th , with maybe a cup run would be a remarkable achievement and allow us to build the in depth squad that is needed for the European tour.
One not of caution though, while we are sitting pretty at the moment we are only a quarter of the way in, we have some tough games ahead, and there is still time for it to go wrong. I must say though that with each week that goes by, that scenario seems to be becoming less and less likley
I'm afraid that the only part of your post that l agree with is the final paragraph.
Yes we are progressing well, but to talk about qualifying for Europe is madness. Top ten this season? l seriously doubt it, but even a final placing of say 12th or 13th l'd be delighted with.