That is the view of defender Nedum Onuoha after a run of thirteen games in all competitions without defeat.
A hectic holiday schedule is now beckoning but Onuoha reckons the team will go into the festive period in great heart and approaching somewhere near their best form, too.
“We’re in a good position in terms of the league and the Carling Cup, but also with regard to mentality and motivation,” he said.
Going into the Christmas period, you know that starting off with a win is crucial. The games you win around the holiday period can kick us on again and if we can keep going, hopefully we will be flying into the rest of the season.
...Nedum Onuoha...
Onuoha’s confidence is based partly on the form of the man voted player of the month by fans on mcfc.co.uk...Shay Given.
Nedum Onuoha was the first to congratulate the Irishman after he saved Frank Lampard’s penalty against Chelsea recently – particularly as it was his foul on Didier Drogba that resulted in the spot-kick!
It was Given’s second penalty stop of the season having kept out James McFadden’s effort at Birmingham last month, and Onuoha reckons the Ireland number one is one of the best keeper’s he’s ever come across.
“When Frank Lampard was stepping up to take that penalty, I feared the worst, even though everyone was saying that Shay would save it,” said Onuoha.
“Of course, he did exactly that and I should have known better! I know from training just how difficult he is to beat from the penalty spot, so if we do concede a penalty, there’s no guarantee the other team will score, which is always going to be a good thing for us.”
Onuoha admits he feels fortunate to have played in front several top keepers during his time with City, all of whom have saved penalties in the past.
He said: “I’m lucky because before Shay came here, I played in front of Joe Hart, who is also very good at facing penalties. There was Kasper Schmeichel, who I recall saving one at Arsenal.”
