An eventful 1-0 win against Stoke on Saturday has perennial slow starters Everton heading to the international break with seven points from nine, their best points haul after this early stage since 2006-07.
This was the type of game in which Everton regularly dropped points last season but there was no late heartbreak here as the Blues won successive league games for the first time since February. After missing numerous chances of their own either side of a Leighton Baines penalty ending in a Shay Given own goal, the hosts survived Stoke hitting the woodwork and making a hash of an open goal.
Positives
Manager Ronald Koeman is working quickly to end the days of a one-dimensional and predictable Everton. Despite ongoing concerns over the team's profligacy in front of goal, there are positives in the number and variety of chances created. Every starting outfield player created at least one chance in the match.
Whether it's through intricate passing, quick counterattacks or the occasional long ball, there is a wider range to Everton's attacking football. Possession is important to Koeman as well, every bit as much as it was to Roberto Martinez, but there is far more energy, purpose and invention to this brand of football.
Negatives
Though not helped by Romelu Lukaku's ongoing search for form and fitness, Everton cannot continue to squander clear scoring opportunities. Just as they did at West Brom the previous weekend, several players proved wasteful and failed to put the result beyond doubt, leading to an unnecessarily nervous finale. The raft of missed chances merely encouraged Stoke, who twice came close to snatching a point.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Koeman's refusal to lower his standards is just as admirable as his assured management. Even when discussing the positives from Saturday and a pleasing start to the season, the Everton boss went on to call for further improvement from his players.
His organisational skills ensure players look comfortable whenever switching formations, as they have in the latter stages of the last two matches. One slight misstep was the introduction of Arouna Kone for Kevin Mirallas, with Kone once again showing his lack of positional awareness when employed in midfield.
Player ratings (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Maarten Stekelenburg, 7 -- His save from Marko Arnautovic, tipping an effort onto the crossbar, continues his excellent start that has seen at least one defining save in each league game. This fine form has convinced Koeman to look for a backup goalkeeper rather than a new number one as the window closes.
DF Mason Holgate, 8 -- Well on his way to providing the additional right-back option Everton have lacked for years, the 19-year-old is another providing an unexpected solution in a problem position. Exudes confidence in everything he does and won his personal battle with Arnautovic.
DF Phil Jagielka, 7 -- The Everton captain relished the challenges posed by a physical Stoke side and looks far more comfortable when positioned as the right-sided centre-back.
DF Ashley Williams, 7 -- His leadership qualities shone throughout. His uncomplicated approach is a blessing to a defence frequently playing itself into trouble in previous seasons. The Wales captain capped a satisfying full league debut by earning the decisive penalty.
DF Leighton Baines, 7 -- Fortunate with his penalty but remains the obvious choice from 12 yards and should continue as the designated penalty taker. This was another unflappable display from a player edging back toward to his best.
MF Idrissa Gueye, 8 -- You get the impression he would still be running around Goodison now but for the final whistle. The former Aston Villa midfielder matched telling defensive work with intelligent use of the ball.
MF Gareth Barry, 7 -- His unusually erratic opening faded with his normal, classy midfield service resuming thereafter. Exemplary passing range does not always get the credit it deserves.
MF Yannick Bolasie, 6 -- His brain and feet appear to be operating on completely different wavelengths at times. Always a threat with the ball at his feet but drifted in and out of the game.
MF Ross Barkley, 6 -- A mixed afternoon summed up by a driving run that ended with him running straight into two Stoke players. Will perhaps feel he should have done better with the several sights of goal presented to him.
MF Kevin Mirallas, 7 -- Often questioned over his attitude, the Belgian winger looks more focused than at any point in his Everton career and was the standout player in the first half.
FW Romelu Lukaku, 6 -- One of those days, the type you have amid an 11-game goal drought. Worked hard enough and generally held the ball up well but looked horribly short of confidence in front of goal.
Substitutes
FW Arouna Kone, 5 -- Some good hold-up play but otherwise lost on the left side of midfield.
DF Ramiro Funes Mori, NR -- Added height and presence at the end as Stoke pressed.
MF Tom Davies, NR -- A few neat touches in the final few minutes.