Tottenham rallies to draw Everton

The Toffees limped to a disappointing 11th placed finish last season – and even that flattered them – in what proved to be Roberto Martínez’s least year in charge of the club.

With the opening league encounter of the 2016/17 season under 48 hours away, Koeman has so far drafted in three players into his first-team squad. We have a relationship from Southampton and I feel very disappointed.

Also significant was the fact Everton spent much of the rest of the first period in their own half. We had good team organisation, we put a lot of energy in, and we were very risky up front. We conceded the goal very early and it was hard for us to manage that and difficult for us to get back into the game. “The board make that final decision, but of course I want to keep all my best players”.

“This is the first game, but I am happy overall”.

Seamus Coleman and Romelu Lukaku are doubts with respective ankle and heel injuries, but Phil Jagielka is fit after overcoming a hamstring problem.

Lukaku is expected to be available to face West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns next Saturday. Being a regular full-time starter for two years now, Lamela has gradually come into the category of one of Tottenham’s better players.

“Next week? Yes, normally he would be fit for that”.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman gave debuts to defender Mason Holgate, goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and defensive midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye.

Had Everton’s players been at 100% rather than “70% physically”, as new manager Koeman suggested pre-match, then perhaps the outcome at Goodison Park would have been different. Sometimes they tell the truth and sometimes not. The performance for 45 minutes was at the level I expect from the team. “After the first goal, things went a little bit less than before and maybe we were a little bit exhausted but we will analyse it”.

“But I think you never know”. Spurs are hoping to take another step forward after a strong campaign last season saw them finally qualify for the Champions League again, but the more interesting story here might be that of Everton.

Tottenham proved vulnerable to counter attacking teams last season, and that may be Everton’s best chance at earning the three points.

Kane, meanwhile, admits the end to last season is tough to forget.

There was some positivity in the substitution, though, as his replacement Michel Vorm denied Deulofeu a goal by saving with his feet after the Spaniard tried to make the most of a poor back pass. “In the end we need to take a lot of positives”.