Everton returned to winning ways with a well-earned victory over Fulham.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin put the Blues ahead inside 42 seconds, with an immediate assist coming from Richarlison on his return from suspension.
But Bobby Decordova-Reid’s 15th-minute equaliser was just reward for an improved Fulham, and punished more slack defending from the visitors.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side regained their lead just shy of the half-hour mark as Lucas Digne provided for Calvert-Lewin to score again with a one-touch finish.
Abdoulaye Doucoure doubled the advantage soon after, meeting another Digne cross to plant a free header past Fulham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
Everton were given a scare in the second half when Ruben Loftus-Cheek halved their lead just after Ivan Cavaleiro’s missed penalty for the hosts.
But they managed to hold out to secure their first Premier League win in five league matches and move up to sixth in the table.
Here were the key talking points from Craven Cottage:
Ancelotti’s bold setup pays dividends
Carlo Ancelotti took many by surprise by opting for a 3-5-2 setup at Fulham; the first time this season he has started with a three-man backline.
But despite some shaky early defending, it largely worked to Everton’s advantage in West London against their struggling hosts.
Alex Iwobi delivered his best performance to date from right-wing-back, including driving past several Fulham players in the build-up to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s second goal.
On the other side, Lucas Digne was at his sparkling best, providing two assists and repeatedly driving forward to be at the heart of the Blues’ attacks.
There are still defensive headaches for Ancelotti to nurse, as his side remain without a clean sheet in the league since their opening game of the season.
And while they may have less joy against less charitable opponents, their potency in this new system will certainly give the Italian food for thought.
Writing on the wall for Kenny?
With Ancelotti ruling out Seamus Coleman of this match through injury, many expected Jonjoe Kenny to deputise as his most natural replacement.
But the right-back failed to make the match day squad despite travelling to Craven Cottage, and now may well have fallen behind even Iwobi in the pecking-order.
Kenny has had his injury problems lately, but if Ancelotti is preferring less orthodox options to the 23-year-old, it is hard to see a future for the latter.
Despite a promising loan at Schalke, Kenny still seems some way off nailing down the right-back position, with Iwobi the fourth player to start there this term.
A January departure would not be a major shock when Ancelotti remains unconvinced.
Mina is still not cutting it
It was surprising to see Yerry Mina win back his place after Mason Holgate’s return to action against Manchester United before the international break.
But a back three hardly made the Colombian appear any more comfortable, and he was arguably at fault for both of Fulham’s goals in either half.
He first failed to close down Bobby Decordova-Reid in the first half, allowing the Fulham forward to cancel out Calvert-Lewin’s opener with an equaliser.
In the second half, he afforded Ruben Loftus-Cheek too much space and time before the midfielder’s shot deflected off him and past Jordan Pickford.
Mina has never looked the best partner for Michael Keane. Both leaden-footed centre-halves, they look too similar to one another to form a solid pairing.
After a red card for his country on international duty, the former Barcelona man did nothing to make a case for Ancelotti to persist with him, either.
Even with an extra body next to him in Ben Godfrey, his frailties were exposed again.
Difference shows in Richarlison return
After losing all three games in which he was suspended, Richarlison provided an instant reminder of just why he is so crucial to Ancelotti’s side.
With an assist for Calvert-Lewin inside the first minute, the Brazilian was electric on his return; terrorising Fulham’s porous defence throughout.
It is no coincidence Calvert-Lewin, who scored once in his previous three games, looked rejuvenated by Richarlison’s presence, netting a brace himself.
Aside from his vital work on the ball, it’s also worth noting again how infectious Richarlison’s enthusiasm and desperation for Everton to succeed is.
He beat the ground in frustration when Decordova-Reid equalised and cutt an equally annoyed figure when he was substituted late on in the second half.
As if Evertonians needed telling, this was another show of just how pivotal Richarlison is, both in his impeccable attitude and his dazzling play.
Ancelotti has said he can be one of the world’s best, as well as labelling him impossible to replace in recent weeks.
On this evidence, you would struggle to disagree.