This year, Leeds United have been comfortably mid-table for the vast majority of the season, flitting between 8th and 14th.
Victories over Fulham, Burnley, West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield United and Newcastle United have propelled them well clear of the relegation zone, and in doing so, distanced themselves from the ensuing fight to retain Premier League status.
After 17 games, Leeds United are closer to the summit of the Premier League table than they are to 18th place, and a return to the second tier. This statistic makes it even more laughable that there have been dissenting views to Marcelo Bielsa's style of play, branding it a failure.
Leeds' start to the season has been a spectacle on the pitch, and uneventful off it, but that is just what Bielsa will have wanted; no early season relegation hysteria.
The reason for Leeds' start to the season being deemed a success by some and a failure by others - mostly the less-informed - has been their record against the different calibre of opponent they have faced.
Leeds are currently 12th, and versus sides in the bottom half of the table, they have won 16 points from a possible 24.
Versus teams above them in the Premier League standings, Leeds have not fared as well, claiming just seven points from a possible 27.
The Whites have triumphed over the sides they need to beat to remain in the division, and succumbed to those with more quality.
Against equals, Leeds' approach wins out more often than not, but where there is financial disparity or a chasm between the individual ability of the starting line-ups, Leeds falter.
That is nothing to be concerned about though, as one of the most commonly-used tropes about survival for promoted sides is the concept of beating the teams who will be battling for similar places in the table at the end of the season.
Leeds' advantageous record against the Fulhams and Burnleys of the Premier League, including some really emphatic, high-scoring victories, indicates Bielsa has his opponents' cards marked - he knows how to beat them.
Ideologically, he may have the jump on inferior managers blessed with superior squads, but until Leeds are staffed with elite footballers across the board, they should not be expected to compete with the top sides.
For now, bottom half mini-league success represents solidity, stability and Premier League status soon to be guaranteed for another year.
