It was only Wigan. But a win is a win.

That victory takes us to 41 games played across all competitions, 31 wins, just 3 defeats and 90 goals scored. We have won 75.61% of games this season. It is incredible, but it could also be nothing if we do not convert our great form into trophies.

Was interesting to see Bukayo Saka playing more centrally yesterday. It is a position where I think his future lies, especially as Max Dowman continues to develop.

Saka is certainly a different option to Martin Odegaard there. More forward thinking. Capable of picking up the ball and unleashing a shot in one movement. It is certainly something I would like to see more of when teams are defending deep against us.

And by playing Saka inside, teams will then drop narrower which should free up space for Noni Madueke and the right back outside of him.

It was good to see Marli Salmon and Tommy Setford get on the pitch. Both are still only teenagers, so we need to give the time to develop and not overhype them. But it is hard not to tecognise their talent.

At just 16, Salmon looks like a rolls Royce of a defender already. Quick across the ground, strong and a superb reading of the game. Let’s remember that William Saliba did not “finally” start playing regularly for us until he was 21, whilst Rio Ferdinand was 19 when he began playing week in week out for West Ham. We have another 3-5 years of watching this guy develop. At that point he could be ready to take over from Gabriel (who will be 31-33). Still a long way to go though.

Setford is als thought highly of at the club. And just 19, he has another 3-4 years of development ahead of him. That would take David Raya to 34/35.

I would say Setford should be looking at a loan deal next season to a League One or Two club. Get regular game time and get that body strong. Salmon is probably too young to be going on loan, and we should keep developing him mentally and allowing physically, allowing him to grow from boy to man.

A good victory. In the bag for the 5th round. And it is mid-February and we are competing on all 4 fronts. Not sure when the last time that was?

Keenos