Saints disappointing solitary point against Leicester had pushed us back into the play-off zone, almost by accident, after two consecutive wins had had little impact on league position.
The top of the table is now heavily congested with only 6 points separating 4th from 14th 18 games into the season. This congestion should make life all the easier for Sheffield United and Reading at the top of the table. They are now 12 and 9 points clear respectively of the chasing pack and know that the sides below will all be taking points off each other in the weeks to come.
Saints play Leeds in our next game in yet another 6 pointer with Leeds 2 points above in 6th place. With only wins over sides in the bottom half of the table, mid-table Stoke excepted, it is vital that Saints start beating the sides around them if they are to progress up the table.
After the Leeds game, Saints true promotion credentials will be clear to see, with games against Luton, Wolves, Cardiff, Norwich and Sheffield United before the end of the year.
January will see the opening of the transfer window and Saints will no doubt be on the lookout for the dominant striker they have been lacking, even with Theo Walcott's run of form. However, without sufficient wins in the run up to January, not only may a striker be too little too late, but it will be increasingly difficult for Saints to hang onto their best players.