As I write Brighton sit 7th in League One, 2 points off the top spot with a game in hand.
However despite this seemingly good start there have still been pockets of discontent amongs Albion supporters. Gus Poyet`s insistence on fielding a reserve side in the Carling Cup and proclaiming the paint pot trophy as irrelevant resulted in an early exit from both competitions.
A good manager makes controversial decisions, ones that can divide fans opinion and Poyet`s stance on these cup competitions has done just that.
One thing that can`t be argued over is that this very stance would look futile if Albion`s league form had got off to a faltering start, it hasn`t.
Last Saturday`s opponents MK Dons were strong, well organised and disciplined and under previous regimes would have nicked a one nil win, not on Poyet`s watch.
The leaky shambolic defending that fans were served a double helping of before Poyet took over has been replaced with a tough, no nonsense, yet cultured defensive style which starts at the back and applies throughout the team to the strikers.
Glenn Murray`s display on Saturday is a prime example of Poyet`s influence. For 90 minutes the MK Dons defence must have wished they had stayed on the bus as Murray hassled, hurried and probed every time they were in possession and with better finishing he could have grabbed more than just the one goal. Kazenga Lua Lua rightly won the plaudits but Murray was excellent, make no mistake about it.
So I am left to reflect on what was actually an excellent home performance, but I won`t be getting carried away in the idea that we might, just might be capable of a good league finish, years of watching Brighton has taught me against such optimism.
One thing is for sure complacency under Poyet will not be tolerated; the squad has an ominous strength about it these days so performances must be good if players wish to keep their places, and they all do.
The days of journeymen on year long contracts bouncing for club to club via Brighton have gone, the year long deals instead given to those hungry for a chance to impress or desperate for that one last throw of the dice.
If this current form can be maintained then who knows what type of season lies ahead, I had better stop now before the optimism takes over my writing.
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