Today’s column comes from Stephen Goldsmith.

THERE were two occasions last season that I recall Sunderland fans nervously watching weekend results come in through the gaps in their fingers, having to wait until Monday before watching their own side play.

Crystal Palace beat Chelsea two days before West Ham won at the Stadium of Light and Fulham won at Villa Park a couple of days before the horrific 5-1 thrashing at Spurs.

It felt like the end of the world on both occasions.

The fact the latest weekend’s fixtures were played out without any real concern and totally free of our emotional attachment, should be a reminder to some that we’re still ridiculously early into the season.

You can read the rest of the article here.