One thing I alluded to in the review of the Wigan victory was that during 2009/10 - and despite recording the least amount of losses in the league - we had failed to put consistent winning streaks together.
A quick scan through the fixtures this season shows that apart from two four game spells, we have failed to go more than a single game with consecutive wins:
4 games (Blackburn, Wolves, Portsmouth, Arsenal). Ended with a 4-3 defeat at United.
1 game (West Ham). Ended with a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa.
1 game (Chelsea). Ended with a 3-3 draw at Bolton.
4 games.(Sunderland, Stoke, Wolves, Blackburn). Ended with a 2-0 defeat at Everton.
1 game (Portsmouth). Ended with a 2-1 defeat at Hull.
1 game (Bolton). Ended with a 1-1 draw with Stoke.
1 game (Chelsea). Ended with a 1-1 draw at Sunderland.
1 game (Fulham). Ended with a 2-0 defeat to Everton.
Despite this, we are of course well placed with just seven games remaining. Sat on 56 points, we know that five wins will take us past the 70 point threshold - which should be good enough to earn fourth spot. Realistically, we know that we are likely to taste defeat before the end of the season given the sides we have to play. What will ensure we finish fourth though is victories, not necessarily avoiding defeat.
Despite the positives of the season so far, we have been riddled with inconsistencies. We are back on a winning streak of one game, where we have faltered so often this season. With Burnley and Birmingham up next and looking very winnable games, have we got one last big run left between now and the end of the season?
If so, what a fantastic time it would be to achieve it.