Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Yerry Mina scored the goals as Everton made it four wins out of four, putting them three points ahead of champions Liverpool and Leicester, who each play on Sunday.

Chelsea are fourth after a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace while Manchester City dropped points for the second weekend in succession as they were held to a 1-1 draw at newly promoted Leeds United.

Everton made the perfect start when striker Calvert-Lewin netted his ninth goal in all competitions this season after just 16 minutes.

Brighton drew level four minutes from the break when Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford dropped the ball and gifted Neal Maupay an easy goal.

But Colombian defender Mina restored Everton's lead just before half-time, heading home Rodriguez's free-kick to put Everton 2-1 up at the break.

In the second half, James raced away to collect his first home goal and followed it with another in the 70th minute.

Yves Bissouma scored a stunning long range goal for Brighton in injury time but Everton had already ensured their seventh win in all competitions, a club record start for the Toffees.

"We played well and managed the game well," Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti said.

"Brighton had possession but we were composed defensively and had opportunities to score on the counter-attack. We were good on set-pieces as usual."

At Stamford Bridge, new signing Ben Chilwell scored his first goal for Chelsea as they crushed Palace.

The England international scored the opener five minutes into the second half.

Chilwell then set up Kurt Zouma for a second goal on 66 minutes before two Jorginho penalties completed the rout.

"In the first half, we were patient but maybe didn't take enough risks in the final third," Chilwell said.

"We need to be more creative in the final third, and in the second half we showed that.

"The biggest plus from today - scoring four goals is great but a clean sheet is perfect for us going into the international break."

Palace manager Roy Hodgson bemoaned "poor performances" from some of his players.

"One or two will be looking in the mirror and saying they didn't do anywhere near enough," he said.

Manchester City had 23 shots to Leeds' 12 but could not make it count as they lost more ground on the leaders.

Raheem Sterling curled City in front after just 17 minutes but a mistake from goalkeeper Ederson gifted new Leeds signing Rodrigo an equaliser just before the hour mark.

Leeds hit the post through a Liam Cooper header while Ederson redeemed himself with a great save from Rodrigo and Manchester City had a penalty appeal rejected.

Callum Wilson scored twice to lead Newcastle to a 3-1 victory that left Burnley without a point after three matches.

Newcastle is sixth with seven points from four games.

Australian Associated Press