When Everton took to the field against West Ham back in September, it wasn't quite the explosive start to the season Brian Sorensen had in mind.
The Blues had enjoyed more possession, more shots on target and nearly double the amount of completed passes than their East London hosts, however it was Lisa Evans' header on the stroke of half time that ensured Everton travelled back to Merseyside with nothing to show for their travails in the capital.
Though the result meant Sorensen's first game in charge of the Blues ended in defeat, the Danes new-look side were already showing signs of improvement and looked a far cry from the squad that had stuttered to a 10th-place finish just a few months earlier. On Sunday, Everton will face West Ham once again, this time welcoming them to Walton Hall Park as both sides bid to consolidate a place in the top half of the WSL table.
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And there is perhaps a no better way to assess just how far the Blues have come under their new manager than a clash with the Hammers who, despite a slightly erratic run of recent form, are enjoying their best-ever start to a Barclays Women’s Super League season.
"We played our first game away against West Ham where we lost 1-0," Sorensen said ahead of this weekend's game. "We had the majority of the chances, we controlled the game but we were in the very early stages of a new team.
"West Ham were similar - they also recruited a bunch over the summer so both teams have evolved over the season. I think the style of play that we have, everybody is more involved with it now. Offensively, we’re getting much better and creating many more opportunities.
"I think West Ham has a slightly different approach to it. The way they play they’re more ruthless in the way that they look at things. For us its just about seeing if we can keep the momentum playing at home."
That sense of momentum was palpable during last weekend's clash with Reading, which marked Everton's second consecutive WSL victory. It was a continuation of the Blues impressive form from before the winter break, when Sorensen's side triumphed over Tottenham at Brisbane Road to move up to sixth in the table.
"We just need to keep working hard, being smart and prepare as good as we can as we did this week," the Dane said after Everton's win over the Royals.
"I think we only have Manchester United out of the top four to play in the next few months so it’s up to us where we want to end up. We just need to keep improving and doing well."
Indeed, the contest with West Ham marks the beginning of an eight-game run where - with the exception of United - Everton will take on teams outside of the top four. And while a victory over the Hammers will not define the Blues' season, it will go a long way to showing just how much progress they've made since the opening day of the season.
Everton Women play their home games at Walton Hall Park and have back-to-back home games against West Ham and Birmingham City this month. Tickets are free for Season Ticket, Lounge and Official Member. Tickets, priced at £4 for juniors and £8 for adults can be purchased here.
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