West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke has insisted that his side's impressive start in the Premier League has not come as a surprise.

The Baggies have picked up seven points from a possible nine so far, and sit third in the table.

Clarke, who took over at The Hawthorns from Roy Hodgson in the summer, thinks that his side might have done even better.

"Has the new season exceeded my expectations? No," said Clarke. "I'm an optimistic person. I knew if we prepared properly, we could get a good points total.

"As a coach and as a professional, I targeted nine [points]. But I think seven is a fair return when you look at our performances.

"We now have to look to the next run of games and look to improve and build upon the terrific platform we have given ourselves."

West Brom take on Fulham tomorrow and, if results go their way, could find themselves top of the table.

The 49-year-old is expecting pressure to be put on him, despite such a great start.

He continued: "I'm not sure the pressure is gone but, if after three games we are chasing a win, it's a different pressure.

"I think there is still pressure now. We go to Fulham, which is a difficult place to go and our record there in recent years is not very good. That is another pressure."

West Brom is Clarke's first managerial position, having previously been an assistant at Liverpool and Chelsea.

West Brom face Fulham at Craven Cottage tomorrow at 3pm.