Everton enjoying best start since 1978 after topping Middlesbrough

The fact that Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool comprise four of the Premier League's top five at the moment, comes as little surprise.

Everton, meanwhile, wasn't supposed to be sitting near the summit of the table. Coming off a brutal season under Roberto Martinez, the Toffees have been reinvigorated by new boss Ronald Koeman, with Saturday's comfortable 3-1 triumph over Middlesbrough pushing them up to second.

With four victories and a draw thus far, Everton sits two points adrift of Pep Guardiola's early-season juggernaut.

The Merseyside club is being led by Romelu Lukaku - who continues to be prolific - and summer signing Idrissa Gueye, who is providing N'Golo Kante-level cover in midfield.

Saturday's win came on a day when midfielder Gareth Barry etched his name in the Premier League record book, making his 600th appearance in the English top flight.

Related: Barry joins elite company with 600th Premier League appearance

After something of a cupcake schedule to begin the season, Everton's credentials will be tested going forward, but for now, Koeman and company will surely enjoy the view from above.