The main item of note the past weekend was Valletta’s victory over Mosta. Not that it was unexpected. Far from it, but because Valletta managed to equal Hibernians’ 37 match unbeaten record. Now the citizens are eyeing a new record but they will have to avoid defeat against the same Hibernians next Sunday. It was a good weekend for the Paolites who maintained the pace with the Citizens at the top, as well as Qormi and Floriana. The former registered an impressive 4-1 win against Tarxien Rainbows and Floriana beat Hamrun Spartans by a solitary goal. Henry Brincat analyses the situation after the first four rounds have been concluded.

It was an interesting weekend for champions Valletta FC as they brushed aside the challenge from modest Mosta to win comfortably 3-0.

But it was not the result that really mattered. Everyone, perhaps even Mosta themselves, must have been aware that they never stood any chance against such a strong side as that of Valletta.

What the citizens were after were not just the three points, but also to equal the record held by Hibernians since the early 1980s – a 37 league match unbeaten run. And they did that with ease with Malta striker Michael Mifsud being the great protagonist with two of the three goals.

Now the citizens are eyeing a new record, but in the next match next Sunday, they will be facing none other than the joint record holders Hibernians. Of course, the citizens will be trying to maintain their unbeaten record to register a new record, but the Paolites will be doing their utmost to halt City’s run, not just for the record’s sake, but also to maintain the pace at the top of the standings.

Mosta were certainly no match for Valletta especially after Mifsud had given the citizens the lead. The Blues know that their chances of survival this season are by obtaining points against those teams more or less of the same calibre and everyone knows that Valletta are not in that category.

Hibernians maintained the pace as they beat a resolute Balzan Youths side on Saturday. Yet, the Paolites had to fight hard to obtain the three points, having to come back from being in arrears to beat the Youths.

This season Mark Miller’s boys are sailing on smoother waters – very much different from those encountered last season. It seems as if the team is back to the standards with which we had become accustomed to in previous seasons. And I would not be surprised were they to become Valletta’s main challengers this season.

But the season is still in its early stages and no one I, so far, in a position to make the best assessments.

As for Balzan, this must have been their best game so far in the Premier League. Their performance, especially in the first half, was very encouraging and they must look forward with optimism as they are expected to battle against relegation.

Also Floriana registered a victory to keep in touch with the leaders. That Ivan Woods goal (he keeps scoring regularly, despite now being considered as a veteran) was enough to give them the three points against a fighting Hamrun side.

The Greens thus returned to winning form after their previous defeat at the hands of their arch rivals Sliema.

On their part, it was disappointing for the Spartans to once again lose all the three points when, in fact, a draw might have been a fairer result in this encounter.

Judging on their performance, especially in the second half, the Spartans deserved a lot more, but it must also be said that they still lack scoring power up front with Gaetan Spiteri still struggling to get the goals that matter.

Sliema and Birkirkara disappointed their followers, failing to win their weekend clashes against Marsaxlokk and Mqabba respectively.

Despite remaining unbeaten, Sliema dropped two precious points against Marsaxlokk in a two-all draw.

The Blues thus failed to capitalise on the enthusiasm after the victory against Floriana the previous weekend.

For the southern seasiders it was an encouraging draw after their previous defeat at the hands of Mqabba.

Marsaxlokk now have four points but still have a lot of work to do, especially in defence, if they are to avoid trouble in future.

Birkirkara also disappointed their fans as they could only draw with Mqabba who are leaving a good impact from among the newcomers to this season’s Premier League.

After their victory against Marsaxlokk the previous weekend, they now acquired a precious point against what is considered a title contender in the form of Birkirkara.

And the result was certainly not a fluke as they deserved the point having more or less shared the exchanges with their more illustrious opponents.

Birkirkara also have a lot of work to do and coach Patrick Curmi still have to stabilise his defence as it is committing several mistakes which are letting the side down.

The Stripes are now five points away from Valletta after just four rounds. If they do not return to winning form immediately, they could find it hard to climb back to the top places.

The first thing they have to do is to learn how to secure a lead instead of surrendering it the way they did against Mqabba. That lack of understanding among their defenders was not the first time it has occurred this season.

Qormi also had a great weekend registering a second win – an impressive 4-1 – in their match against Tarxien Rainbows.

It was a great day for Stephen Azzopardi’s boys, especially striker Jorge Pereira who mesmerised his opponents, scoring two goals and doing a lot of damage in the process.

But it was not just a one-man show. Although Pereira was above all the others, his team-mates also contributed to this fine performance which bodes well for this side this season.

For Tarxien, the result – and performance – was another major disappointment.

Noel Coleiro’s much-vaunted side has now lost three out of its opening four matches and is occupying joint bottom place with Mosta on just one point.

After the outstanding past two seasons, one expected a lot more from this side which is struggling to find the right formula.

Coleiro needs to inject more confidence in his boys who seemed to let go after showing more initiative during the first half hour. But that is how far the Rainbows went.

After suffering the first goal – the equaliser – they seemed unable to react and it was Qormi who took over to finish worthy winners.