2 goals, assist for James Rodríguez as Everton stays perfect

By: The Associated Press Posted: 11:33 AM CDT Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020 Last Modified: 3:14 PM CDT Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020

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LIVERPOOL, England - James Rodríguez scored twice and assisted fellow Colombian Yerry Mina's header as Everton beat Brighton 4-2 Saturday for the Premier League leader's fourth successive win at the start of the season.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/10/2020 (2186 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

LIVERPOOL, England – James Rodríguez scored twice and assisted fellow Colombian Yerry Mina’s header as Everton beat Brighton 4-2 Saturday for the Premier League leader’s fourth successive win at the start of the season.

Coupled with progress in the League Cup, Everton has made its best start to a season since the 19th century with seven wins out of seven.

Everton has the leading scorer across Europe’s top five leagues after Dominic Calvert-Lewin headed the hosts in front in the 16th minute with his ninth goal of the season in all competitions.

Everton's James Rodriguez celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Brighton at the Goodison Park stadium in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020. (Jan Kruger/Pool via AP)

The prolific form has earned Calvert-Lewin a first call-up to England but there was less joy for another member of Gareth Southgate’s squad — goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

The England No. 1 was at fault for Neal Maupay’s equalizer, failing to hold Leandro Trossard’s volley hammered into the turf.

He was grateful to the club’s Colombia connection as James’ free kick presented Mina with his first Goodison Park goal in first-half stoppage time.

James then took his tally to three goals since signing from Real Madrid with a pair of far-post finishes in the second half from crosses by Richarlison’s replacement, Alex Iwobi, and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

“He’s a top player and when he gets on the ball you see that quality he’s got,” Calvert-Lewin said of James. “He draws people in and opens space up for other players and for me, as a centre forward, he creates chances and that’s all I can hope for.”

Yves Bissouma volleyed in a late consolation for Brighton, which has three points from four games.

Everton, which last won the English championship in 1987, has the only perfect record after four games. Leicester and Liverpool have both won three out of three.

“We did really well this period,” Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti said. “Winning games and showing good quality. The spirit is good, we are really pleased, but it’s only the start of the season.”

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