Free-scoring Everton take the shine off Brighton

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored his ninth goal of the season and James Rodriguez netted twice as Everton beat Brighton 4-2 to make it four Premier League wins from four for the impressive table-topping Toffees.

However, it was another game that will prompt questions about the quality of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for both club and country.

All was going well for the home side after Calvert-Lewin rose highest to head in at the back post to cap another excellent week that saw him score his second hat-trick of the season and earn a first call-up to the senior England squad.

But in the closing stages of a first-half in which he had barely been tested, England keeper Pickford dropped a tame bouncing ball at the feet of Neal Maupay, who then slotted the ball in on the turn.

The heavy rain during the match was undoubtedly a contributing factor but the poor error came not long after the shocking mistake he made in the Carabao Cup win at Fleetwood.

Thankfully for the home side, they were able to reclaim the lead before the break when James Rodriguez picked out fellow Colombian Yerry Mina who headed in from a corner.

And it was Rodriguez himself who put the game beyond Albion, firstly sliding in to finish off Alex Iwobi’s chipped cross at the back post and then finding space in the same area to tap home Abdoulaye Doucoure’s pass.

Brighton were able to claim a consolation through a superb Yves Bissouma strike in added time but they have now lost three of their first four games.

They can argue they deserved to take something from the defeats by Chelsea and Manchester United, but they can have no complaints about this.

Aside from Pickford’s form, the only other negative for Carlo Ancelotti’s side was losing forward Richarlison to injury in the first half.

Everton lead the division, having taken 12 points from 12, but could be overtaken this weekend by Leicester and Liverpool, who both play on Sunday.

BBC Online