If they were measuring their results on a quarterly basis, as most companies do before reporting back to demanding shareholders, both Fulham and Everton could be excused a small grin of satisfaction.
But as each club prepares for its tenth Premier League match of a 38-game campaign, there will be no sign of that allowed. Managers Martin Jol and David Moyes are too wily and motivated to rest on their laurels.
Fulham, like Everton, are traditionally slow starters but both have begun the season strongly. It's created a feeling of having room to breathe - a concept which is normally alien in the pressure-cooker environment of the Premier League.
While Everton claimed the scalp of Manchester United in their first match, and have battled to high-octane draws with Newcastle and Liverpool, Fulham's campaign has perhaps been a little more leisurely so far. Their most notable result was a classy 3-0 win over early-season surprise package West Brom (though they did push both Manchester clubs close before eventually losing by a single goal).
Recent history shows us Fulham have a poor record against Everton, not least the last time they met when a dominant first-half display by the Blues at Goodison Park in April saw them kill the game as a contest by the break. In-form Nikica Jelavic had already grabbed two goals either side of a Marouane Fellaini header before the teams had a half-time cup of tea.
One thing is for sure, Fulham must be at their best against a belligerent Everton. Should a winner emerge by the River Thames, the pundits could be mulling the merits of that team as the real deal while simultaneously doubting the genuine strength-in-depth of the losers. But sharing the spoils would keep things ticking along nicely for both clubs.
Head-to-head
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Everton are unbeaten against Fulham in their past six matches in all competitions (W5, D1).
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The clubs have met 56 times overall, with Everton winning 26 to Fulham's 18 victories.
Fulham
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Fulham have earned 14 points from their opening nine matches of the season - their most at this stage of the season since 2003-04.
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They have accrued 32 points from 14 home matches in 2012. Only Manchester City (41), Manchester United (34) and Newcastle (33) have more.
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The west London side have lost 10 points from winning positions this season - only Southampton (11) have fared worse.
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Martin Jol's side have scored first in six of their nine Premier League games this season, the joint-best record in the top flight (along with Chelsea, West Brom and Tottenham)
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Chris Baird has now scored as many goals in his last two Premier League appearances as he did in his first 120.
Everton
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Everton have suffered just one defeat in their last 18 league games. They have only failed to score in two of those matches.
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The Toffees have picked up 16 points from their opening nine matches - their most at this stage of a season for six years.
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They have scored their highest number of goals (17) at this stage of a top flight season since 1985-86.
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Kevin Mirallas has committed more fouls (16) than anyone else yet to be shown a card in the Premier League this season.