A spirited performance from Crystal Palace proved to be in vain, after a robust Everton side continued their perfect start to the season, thanks to Dominic Calvert-Lewin's tap-in and a Richarlison penalty.
The visitors got off to the perfect start, when on the 11th minute, Calvert-Lewin converted his fifth goal of the season after excellent work from Séamus Coleman, who burst past Tyrick Micthell and picked out the inform English striker, who with the goal at his mercy, tapped in from five yards out.
Cheikhou Kouyaté leveled for Palace only 15 minutes later, meeting an Andros Townsend corner to bring the south Londoners back into the game.
However, VAR entered the stage to become the main attraction. On the 40th minute, Joel Ward was penalised for a handball inside his own penalty area. After careful deliberation with VAR from referee, Kevin Friend, he pointed to the spot.
Richarlison buried the penalty to give The Blues the lead. The penalty would prove to be the decisive action, with all three points continuing the 100% record and firing Everton to the top of the table.
Story of the match
First half
Carlo Ancelotti's side got off to the perfect start on the 11th minute. A delightful cross-field ball from James Rodríguez picked out Séamus Coleman, the right-back turned 20-year-old Tyrick Mitchell inside out, and drove the ball across the face of the goal; Dominic Calvert-Lewin continued his red-hot scoring run, by tapping home, to open the scoring. Calvert-Lewin has had a superb start to the season, the focal point in The Toffees attack has scored 13 goal since Ancelotti arrived December, he is thriving under the pressure that has been asked of him.
Everton's lead would not last long. On the 26th minute, an Andros Townsend corner was whipped into the area, Cheikhou Kouyaté leapt above Michael Keane to plant his header, with venom, past Jordan Pickford. Palace struggled to score from corners last season, only scoring two all campaign.
VAR reared its ugly head yet again on the 40th minute - Lucas Digne's header struck the hand of Joel Ward, who was making his 250th Palace appearance. Referee, Kevin Friend, was suggested to look at the handball via the TV screen. Friend adjudged Ward to have deliberately handled the ball and pointed to the spot to award Everton a penalty. Ricahrlison dispatch the spot-kick, lifting the ball into the top left-hand corner, giving Everton the lead at half-time.
Second half
On the 51st minute, Calvert-Lewin had a glorious opportunity to extend The Toffees lead. James Rodríguez sent in a tantalising corner, which was begging for a yellow shirt to get onto the end of it. Calvert-Lewin drifted in-between Kouyate and Sakho to find himself just two yards away from goal. The striker failed to connect with the ball and sent it just wide of Vincente Guaita's post.
Kouyaté had the chance to find the equaliser on the 64th minute. Andros Towsend sent in a devilish free-kick to the back-post, Kouyaté met the cross but only to find the side netting.
A flurry of chances fell Palace's way, with Eberechi Eze playing a conductor's role in the heart of the Eagles midfield, orchestrating chance after chance. However, Everton's resilient defence stood strong, denying every Palace opportunity that came their way.
Hodgson deployed Christian Benteke and Michy Batshuyai for the final 15 minutes in an attempt to claw a point from Everton's tight grip. The chances, however, were less than clear cut and Carlo Ancelotti's side secured all three points to climb to the top of the table.
Takeaways
Everton's new signings leaving their mark
Everton's impressive transfer business has proved to elevate The Toffees' level of performance this season. New signings, James Rodríguez, Abdoulaye Doucouré and Allan have breathed life into the side.
Rodriguez has taken the Premier League by storm. His premium passing range and exquisite eye for a through ball has seen many rave over his start to life in England.
Doucouré and his new partner in crime, Allan, have formed a formidable partnership in the heart of Everton's midfield. They provide Rodriguez with the license to roam forward, whilst the pair command the centre of the pitch, winning the ball back at all costs for their side.
Eze shines on full debut
Eberechi Eze made his full Premier League debut this afternoon, being limited to a handful of substitute appearances since arriving from QPR.
Eze was simply sensational today, he was the creative hub for Palace's attacking prowess. Looking for the ball, not afraid to drive at defenders and possess the skill to threat a pass through the eye of a needle.
Once he has fully integrated into the side and his chemistry with the rest of the squad is in full sync, Eze has the potential to take the Premier League by storm.