Everton make their best start to a season since 1993/94

Carlo Ancelotti's reputation on Merseyside is improving week-by-week, and the Italian has steered the Blues to their best start to a Premier League season since 1993/94.

A 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon took Everton's victory tally for the season to three after they have won every single game.

James Rodriguez's arrival has been considered as the catalyst for Everton's bright start to the season, with the Colombian offering a touch of class to the team's performances.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin continued his campaign for the Golden Boot award with a goal inside 10 minutes, taking his tally for the season to five, although the Eagles were quickly back on level terms.

Cheikhou Kouyate drew Palace level after 25 minutes of play with a towering header from an Andros Townsend corner, an effort which gave Jordan Pickford little chance at all.

Everton were convinced they should have been awarded a penalty almost from the restart though, however VAR deemed that there hadn't been a handball by a Crystal Palace defender.

Yet, just 10 minutes later Richarlison would be given the chance to score from the spot after Joel Ward was found guilty of a handball inside his own penalty area.

It was a sustained spell of pressure from Ancelotti's charges, and the Brazilian made absolutely no mistake from 12 yards, firing the ball into the top left corner of the net with oozing self-confidence.

The second half brought fewer chances and moments of controversy, yet it was the composed nature of the Blues' performance which will please their coach.

James' ability to retain possession allowed Everton to finish the match with 58 percent possession, although there will be concerns at how few clear chances they created against an ailing Palace defence.

Victory in South London has put Everton on the top of the Premier League table, a position they have seldom held since long before the new millennium.