Win continues unbeaten start for champions Everton

Substitute Ellis Simms struck the winner as Everton beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 to maintain their unbeaten start to their Premier League 2 Division 1 title defense.

The hosts took the lead on 21 minutes at Goodison Park, as Lewis Gibson finished at the back post from an Antony Evans free-kick.

Three minutes after the break, Rovers were level through Joe Rankin-Costello, who swiveled in the penalty area and fired into the bottom corner.

Everton regained the lead on 76 minutes after Simms was played in by Anthony Gordon before finishing beyond Joe Hilton.

The win moves Everton into third place on nine points, two behind Chelsea and Arsenal, with Rovers down to 10th on four points.