Over the course of the festive break NewsChain is taking an in-depth look at each of the Women's Super League sides' performances so far this season.

West Ham are the next side we are taking a look at - a team who, despite entertaining with some end-to-end football so far this campaign, have struggled to build on an impressive first season in the top flight in 2018/19.

West Ham

Last season: 7th

Current position: 8th

West Ham were tipped for relegation in their first top flight WSL campaign, but the 2018/19 season brought success for Matt Beard's team.

They finished seventh, above former winners Liverpool as well as Everton, Brighton and Yeovil.

For the east London side, the 2019/20 season was a chance for the newly- professional players to really make their mark on the league and push on towards the top end of the table.

However, while they have continued to play a brand of football which remains easy on the eye, the results have not come along with it.

After going toe-to-toe with defending champions Arsenal, they picked up a narrow win over Birmingham and looked in good stead for a positive start.

But the 2-0 defeat to rivals Tottenham at the Olympic Stadium appeared to knock their confidence, a result which led to them winning just one of their next four league games.

Their clash with Manchester United at the beginning of December became a huge game for Beard's side because they came into it having suffered a crushing 5-0 defeat to Man City and disappointing 3-2 loss to Reading.

And with West Ham 2-1 down and just seven minutes remaining, it looked as if they were succumbing to yet another newly-promoted team.

But Katharina Baunach popped up as the saviour to score twice and give them a third win of the campaign.

A 1-1 draw with an improving Liverpool side will have also given Hammers fans reason to feel optimistic heading into the new year.

Beard will undoubtedly want to have been higher in the table heading into the Christmas break.

That being said, given the perilous position they were in ahead of the Man United game, he will have to feel satisfied with where they are now. 

West Ham return on January 5 when they host title Everton at the Rush Green Stadium.