Everton start with win as Calvert-Lewin sinks Tottenham

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's goal was his 25th for Everton in the Premier League, equalling Wayne Rooney's total for the Toffees

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's brilliant header ensured new-look Everton made a flying start to the Premier League season with victory at Tottenham.

In a high-octane encounter, Jordan Pickford produced two excellent saves to keep out Dele Alli and Matt Doherty, who was making his debut after signing from Wolves.

But with new signing James Rodriguez in excellent form, Everton fully deserved their win after a hard-working performance.

Everton should have taken the lead in the early stages but Richarlison lost his footing after rounding Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris.

Reaction from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

New-look Everton turn on the style

After Everton's disappointing 12th place last season, their lowest position since 2003-04, Carlo Ancelotti has embarked on an ambitious rebuilding job, specifically targeting the midfield.

As well as Rodriguez, Brazil's Allan and Watford's Abdoulaye Doucoure have also been drafted in to provide energy and creativity in the engine room - and all three gave Ancelotti huge encouragement for the season ahead.

Rodriguez, in particular, stood out, with his quality passing setting up good chances.

The Toffees could - and should - have won by a more handsome margin against a static Tottenham side short of ideas.

Rodriguez twice picked out Richarlison after half-time but the Brazilian, who wasted a great chance in the first half, was unable to punish Spurs.

Allan, who played under Ancelotti at Napoli, was calm and composed as Everton looked rejuvenated after a poor 2019-20.

Pickford's saves to keep out Alli and Doherty were crucial, with Ancelotti delighted with a clean-sheet win against a side that finished 10 points and six places above them last season.

Flat start by Spurs

Spurs boss Jose Mourinho was unhappy with Everton's goal, claiming the free-kick which led to Calvert-Lewin's winner was taken from the wrong place.

But over the 90 minutes, Spurs were distinctly second best and their lack of threat was summed up by the fact Harry Kane only touched the ball twice in Everton's penalty area.

Son Heung-min was Spurs' most threatening player, particularly in the first half when he set up chances for Kane and Alli.

Kane looked a shadow of the player who finished last season with five goals in three games while Alli, despite forcing a fine save from Pickford, was replaced at half-time.

Mourinho said before the game that he wanted a new striker before the transfer window closes next month and this performance will reinforce his need to strengthen the squad.

New signing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg also started but was unable to have the same impact as Everton's new additions.

What's next?

Both teams are in cup action in midweek. While Tottenham travel to Bulgaria in midweek to face Lokomotiv Plovdiv in the second qualifying round of the Europa League on Thursday (17:00 BST), Everton host League Two Salford City on Wednesday in the second round of the Carabao Cup (20:15).

More to follow.

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