One small step = one giant leap

Saturday's victory over Birmingham (secured by a fine goal from Viana who was evidently keen to make amends for poor showings in recent weeks) coupled with a crucial defeat for Chelsea at West Ham and Anelka's revenge on Liverpool assured us of both a Champions' League spot for next season and third place, one better than last year. Admittedly we've been stuttering towards the finishing line over the last few weeks and have lost far too many games for a team wanting to challenge for the title, but nevertheless finishing third is a fantastic achievement for such a young and inexperienced side. Both in the league and in European games players have grown in stature and maturity, none more so than Jenas who seems to prove more and more of a bargain with every performance.

Of course, all this means expectations will naturally be even higher for next season, but there's currently no room or indeed scope for pessimism. The side, it seems, can only get better - and I for one am looking forward to the next campaign with relish already.