Ronald Koeman was handed his first home win as Everton manager after a bizarre Shay Given own goal from Leighton Baines' penalty secured all three points for the Toffees
In what was a tight game, the Stoke goalkeeper's unfortunate involvement settled a game that for the large part was controlled by Koeman's side.
After coming back from a goal behind last weekend away at West Brom, the onus was on Everton to take the game to their visitors.
Whilst dominating periods of the game, it was the own goal from the Stoke shot stopper that settled proceedings, giving Koeman food for thought despite the fact they have secured seven points from a possible nine.
That's why baines should be on the pens 😂😂#efc pic.twitter.com/54UBkDbyAe
"Two wins and one draw is very positive, but we can do much better and we need to improve in several aspects."
Romelu Lukaku, who returned to the starting eleven for the first time this season, Ross Barkley and Arouna Kone all had chances to add some gloss to the scoreline, however their chances went begging.
"Today we were not really clinical in the box. We had some good opportunities and need to be more aggressive, but the performance was good, it is a good start to the season and we can build on that."
Seven points out of a possible nine for #efc at start of season. What a difference @RonaldKoeman is making.
Speaking specifically about the penalty that settled the game, Koeman accepted that should it have been awarded in the other box, he would have had similar qualms to that of his opposite number.
"It is so difficult to analyse that situation. There are enough reasons for Mark Hughes to be angry. If everyone whistles for these situations you would accept it, but one referee does and another one doesn't."