Everton were on song as they brushed aside a shaky AFC Bournemouth to record their first home win of the season in front of a buoyant Goodison crowd.

The Toffees were good value for their three points, an early goal from James Garner providing the confidence that fuelled an impressive performance with Jack Harrison doubling Everton’s lead in the 37th minute of his full debut before Abdoulaye Doucoure made sure of victory on the hour mark.

A slip by Illia Zabarnyi gave the hosts the dream start, Garner pouncing on the error and burying the chance to score his first goal for Everton in the eighth minute.

Bournemouth looked for a quick response, Dominic Solanke hunting down a long ball in the 14th minute. The England forward attempted a first-time effort, but the angle was against him, and the shot sailed wide.

With just under ten minutes remaining of an enthralling first half, Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto punched away several crosses the last of which fell kindly to Harrison, whose sweetly struck side-footed volley from outside the box sailed over the head of the retreating 'keeper to double Everton’s lead.

It was the first time in almost a year that Everton had scored more than once at home, the last coming in a 3-0 win against Crystal Palace on the 22nd of October 2022.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin came close to making it three after clipping the bar from a deep Ashley Young cross on the stroke of half-time.

The second half followed a similar pattern, Sean Dyche's side relentless in their attacking play and high pressure, and hungry to add to their two-goal tally.

The third eventually came with half an hour to play, Doucoure stabbing in from close range after a Harrison header was initially blocked on the line by Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.

This result comes at the right time for Everton who next make the 0.9-mile journey to face arch rivals Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby on Saturday 21 October.

As for Bournemouth, Andoni Iraola’s struggling start continues with today becoming his third consecutive defeat, a result that leaves the Cherries in 19th with three points.

Club reports

Everton report | Bournemouth report

Match officials

Referee: David Coote. Assistants: Tim Wood, Mark Scholes. Fourth official: Tom Bramall. VAR: Simon Hooper. Assistant VAR: Stuart Burt.