Everton made a promising start to the new season with Carlo Ancelotti's new signings impressing in their 1-0 win over a lethargic Tottenham in north London.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the winner with a thumping header, but the performances of James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure caught the eye as the Toffees produced an impressive all-round performance.
Everton impressed throughout and looked far more assured and technically gifted on the ball with their new trio of Rodriguez, Allan and Doucoure dominating the midfield battle.
Calvert-Lewin had gone 10 games without a goal, previously scoring eigh in 10 games before that, but he broke his duck when powering in Lucas Digne's delicious free kick from the left.
It was a deserved victory for Everton and the first time they'd beaten Spurs in 16 meetings, while inflicting a first opening day defeat on Tottenham in five years and a first ever for Jose Mourinho in the Premier League.
More worrying that that for the Spurs boss will be the lethargy around his squad, who failed to press Everton at any time, and seemed to lack the energy, the enthusiasm and even the ability that the visitors displayed.
Everton’s match-winner Calvert-Lewin said he had been excited to play in his side’s opening game of the season.
“I thoroughly enjoyed it today because we had runners, we had legs up the pitch and I think when we’re keeping the ball and playing, it allows me to get in positions and get the wingers involved,” he told Sky Sports.
“It can be a lonely role (centre-forward) at times but today, because we’ve worked hard and won our individual battles, it allowed us to play and we can create chances.
“I was excited. I couldn’t wait to play today. Not only the first game of the season, but with the quality we’ve brought in as well.
“These boys have played at a very good level, Champions League, that’s where we aspire to go and I was just itching to get out on the pitch. To get the goal was a great feeling.”
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