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Everton made a statement of intent that maybe this is the year they can crack the Premier League top six with an impressive 1-0 win at Tottenham.<\/p>\nEverton made a statement of intent that maybe this is the year they can crack the Premier League top six with an impressive 1-0 win at Tottenham.<\/p>\n
Carlo Ancelotti has been backed in the transfer market as the Toffees finally try and compete at the top end of the division and Dominic Calvert-Lewin\u2019s second-half header got them off to a winning start.<\/p>\n
It was a slick and polished display that could have been rewarded with an even more handsome victory, had Richarlison been more clinical in front of goal.<\/p>\n
Even still, this will have Everton fans dreaming as they completely outplayed their hosts.<\/p>\n
It was an afternoon to forget for Spurs, who were well below par and will struggle to take any positives out of the game.<\/p>\n
And on this evidence Jose Mourinho has a bigger challenge than Ancelotti on his hands to finish in the top six, especially considering his side have a grueling schedule over the next couple of months.<\/p>\n
Everton named new signings James Rodriguez, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan in their starting XI and they made a slick start, having a brilliant opportunity to go ahead in the 16th minute.<\/p>\n
It may have been the opening weekend of the season, but Richarlison has probably already got one hand on the miss of the season trophy.<\/p>\n
He latched on to a loose pass by Ben Davies, beat the tackle of Toby Alderweireld, which would have been a red card had the defender made contact, then goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, which would have been a penalty, before somehow blazing over with the goal gaping.<\/p>\n
It was a huge let-off for Spurs, who had been pedestrian but did at least use their escape as a wake-up call.<\/p>\n
They were inches away from taking the lead as Son Heung-min\u2019s cross just evaded Harry Kane and drifted just wide before a brilliant counter-attacking move saw Son play in Dele Alli, but Jordan Pickford did well to produce a flying save.<\/p>\n
James was having an encouraging debut and threatened at the other end as he flashed a 20-yard effort just wide, but it was Pickford that ensured his side went in at half-time on level terms.<\/p>\n
Spurs debutante Matt Doherty foraged forward, played a one-two with Kane, whose delightful flicked pass played the Ireland international in, but Pickford produced a fine block with his feet.<\/p>\n
The break came at a good time for Everton as they regrouped and took the lead 10 minutes after the restart.<\/p>\n
Lucas Digne delivered a delicious free-kick, which Tottenham contested, and Calvert-Lewin powered home a thumping header to open his account for the campaign.<\/p>\n
Richarlison was determined to do the same and twice found himself going within inches of doing so with identical chances.<\/p>\n
His position wide on the left was causing Spurs problems and as he cut inside his curling efforts went just wide on both occasions with Lloris beaten.<\/p>\n
Mourinho\u2019s men chased the game but they failed to trouble Pickford and it was Everton who looked more likely, with Calvert-Lewin testing Lloris.<\/p>\n
But one goal proved to be enough for a first win over Spurs in 16 games going back to 2012.<\/p>\n