WHAT a load of rubbish.

I suppose our unbeaten run had to come to an end at some point, but it was just very disappointing to see us go down with little more than a whimper against an organised if unspectacular Everton side last night.

To consider the result as anything more than a minor set-back would probably be an over-reaction, but we were fortunate that Chelsea continued their woeful form in the league and went down 1-0 at Wolves.

Their result means we stay a point clear in fourth spot, but how nice would it have been to find ourselves sitting atop a four-point cushion before bedtime?

Looking into my crystal ball a few days ago I predicted that we'd need to play well against Everton in order to record our fourth straight win, and sadly I was proved right as we lost 2-1.

Because, for large parts of the match, we were guff.

Another slight worry is that Gareth Bale went off shortly before the hour mark with a knock, but hopefully it won't keep him out of any of the forthcoming games.

Any players nursing tired legs or sore bits and pieces could be given a rest for Sunday's FA Cup third round clash with Charlton Athletic – who, incidentally, sacked their manager Phil Parkinson earlier this week.

While I would never presume to underestimate the League One promotion contenders, I'm sure Harry Redknapp will rest a few key players and try out one or two youngsters so that the side resumes its challenge for Champions League qualification in fine fettle.

And given that our next league game is at home to the unbeaten Manchester United, we'll probably need it.