For the first time since 2008, Everton have won their first three league games in a calendar year as recent resurgence continued with a 1-0 success at Crystal Palace on Saturday. Right-back Seamus Coleman scored an 87th minute winner as the Blues also won three consecutive Premier League games without conceding for the first time since January 2010.
These three points will not generate the same headlines, but this was every bit as impressive as the 4-0 demolition of Manchester City in the last match, if not more so, as current form extends to 13 points from the last 15 available, closing the gap on sixth place to five points.
Positives
Manager Ronald Koeman may have found the system to get the best from his squad, naming an unchanged starting XI and formation. His reward was a team that mixed a patient and aesthetic style with the endeavour and aggression expected as minimum.
Ashley Williams appears at home flanked by two centre-backs, while the use of Ross Barkley in a deeper role simultaneously bolsters the midfield and frees him from the restricting No.10 role.
This consistency in terms of selection is helping key players find form. An extended run in the team has brought better performances from several who had previously rotated in and out of the first team. League form shows four clean sheets in five matches and two or more goals scored in six of the last eight games.
Negatives
A chaotic opening 90 seconds and a Christian Benteke header against the crossbar within the first 10 minutes reinforced the need to start well. Playing on the front foot from the first whistle and preventing crosses into the penalty area are issues Everton have tackled in recent weeks and cannot let resurface.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Started with the same starting XI so effective last week but was not afraid to make changes in the second half.
Player ratings (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Joel Robles, 7 -- A spectator for long periods but excelled when needed, showing the concentration and reliability that Everton require from their goalkeeper. One superb save and convincing command of his penalty area proved decisive in the final 10 minutes.
DF Mason Holgate, 7 -- Undeterred by an early booking, there's an effortless quality to his game. His composure and decision-making when defending in one-on-one situations remain prominent.
DF Ashley Williams, 7 -- A quiet but efficient display as the experienced defender marshalled the defence, cleared his lines when necessary and coped well with a physical home attack.
DF Ramiro Funes Mori, 6 -- More effective in the opposing penalty area during the first half as poor positioning blotted his defensive performance. Untroubled for much of the second but stood up well to an aerial bombardment late on.
MF Seamus Coleman, 8 -- Showed the instincts of a forward in netting his fourth goal of the season. A constant outlet on the right, though he needs to be mindful of his defensive responsibilities in this new wing-back role.
MF Tom Davies, 8 -- Davies has now been involved in three goals in his last three league games, adding the assist for Coleman's goal to his Southampton assist and goal against Manchester City. Measured passes and neat touches underlined his performance.
MF Gareth Barry, 7 -- Another typical outing as Barry disrupted defensively and provided the platform for attacks when in possession. Unfortunate to be withdrawn so early, as Everton took time to readjust immediately after his substitution.
MF Leighton Baines, 7 -- Baines pressed the ball and generally defended well -- his faultless work ethic is an underrated part of his game due to more noted qualities -- but lacked his usual creativity in possession.
MF Ross Barkley, 8 -- Drifted around the pitch, showed excellent awareness throughout and dictated the game from midfield. All that was missing was a defining moment in the match as Barkley drove Everton forward.
FW Kevin Mirallas, 6 -- Picked the ball up in some promising positions but tended to lack support at vital moments. As such, his influence fizzled out prior to his substitution in the second half.
FW Romelu Lukaku, 7 -- Hit the post with his only real sight of goal as some good positioning went unrewarded. Dispossessed too easily on occasions but mostly led the line well and kept the home defence occupied.
Substitutes
MF Morgan Schneiderlin, 6 -- Intercepted well in midfield but not entirely needed as Everton pressed forward.
MF Ademola Lookman, NR -- Can expect to feature more often if his first two outings in an Everton shirt are a sign of things to come. This lively cameo saw a nice turn and shot with his first touches of the match.
DF Phil Jagielka, NR -- On to close out the game as Palace fired up an aerial assault in injury time.