In true 2021/22 fashion, Frank Lampard's first two weeks at Everton were something of a rollercoaster as he made his first attempts to understand the side he had been given.
A convincing FA Cup victory over Brentford was followed by a less positive display on the road at Newcastle United a few days later. But, thankfully, a 3-0 win over Leeds United at Goodison Park helped dispel a good chunk of any gathering negativity ahead of the new manager's second away match - this time against Southampton.
Storm Eunice was battering the UK back in February 2022 but that didn't stop thousands of Evertonians making their way to the south coast, although when full-time came around they probably wished they hadn't bothered. Lampard had been measured and reserved about his side's displays up until that point, but even he could hide his frustration following the game.
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The manager told his post-match press conference after seeing his side concede twice after half-time to lose 2-0: "I did not like the reaction. The players need to understand that second half is not good enough.
"It is not good enough to lose second balls consistently; it is not good enough to try and miss out [midfield] and play to the strikers.
"It has to be an option but it can't be the way we play. We will have days like this. It is important to learn the lessons."
Unfortunately, it would take a while for Everton to learn those lessons. In fact, considering the relatively short amount of time since that match, some might suggest there isn't the wealth of evidence to suggest they have actually got over the issue.
This could be a great opportunity for a new Blues squad to show that they are different from last season. They have a chance to potentially take their game to their opponents and cause more issues, rather than being penned back for the majority of the 90 minutes as they were last season.
Looking back at the team that took to the field from the start of February's St Mary's encounter is almost like stepping back through time. Only a few months have passed from that point but already the options available to Lampard are worlds apart.
Only four players - Jordan Pickford, Seamus Coleman, Alex Iwobi and Anthony Gordon - would realistically be expected to start this Saturday from the line-up that played last time out against the Saints. Out of those, club captain Coleman, is likely only be back in the side due to an injury to Nathan Patterson, with the Scotland defender set to miss four to five weeks with an ankle problem.
Instead of lining up in a 4-4-2, with Iwobi utilised as a right-midfielder, Everton will instead likely set up in a 4-3-3 style - barring any more switches from Lampard in terms of his formation in the absence of his usual starting right-back. Instantly, that has made the team not just more dangerous going forward, but more organised and compact when out of possession.
The Blues boss bemoaned his side for losing second balls the last time they made the trip to face Southampton and already steps have been taken to solve that issue. His side now value a high press as one of their best qualities, with a midfield trio in particular constantly on the hunt for possession.
Iwobi is now the first name on the teamsheet thanks to his tenacity, positional awareness and creativity in possession. Idrissa Gueye has progressed from the destroyer he was in his first spell at Goodison to be cultured on the ball as well as strong in the tackle. While Amadou Onana has adapted to the physicality of the Premier League expertly and has really taken the No.8 position as his own in recent weeks.
The last time Everton travelled to St Mary's their midfield two comprised of Allan and Donny van de Beek, both of whom have now left the club. Andre Gomes came on for the former at half-time and gave away the ball in the build up to the first goal of the game - and even he has departed Goodison on loan this summer.
Regardless, the profile of those players is inherently different to what the Blues now possess. Now they are full of verve and energy, and that stretches to the front line as well.
Gordon played against Southampton in February but Neal Maupay and Demarai Gray didn't. Both have been integral to Everton's growing new style recently, with especially the former excelling in this sense.
It's another long journey for Evertonians this weekend, but they will travel in their thousands expecting another solid performance after the international break. Positivity and confidence is high around the club right now, and Lampard would love nothing better than to give a diametrically opposite post-match press conference at St Mary's than he did last time.
Can Everton do what he wanted and learn the required lessons? Fingers crossed they answer that question emphatically.
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