Vastly improved Blues hold on for great opening-day win

4-3-3? 4-2-3-1? Surely not 4-4-2?

Carlo is pulling no punches here.

Spurs first 11 looks a lot weaker than the Pochettino heyday that had Verthonghen, Rose, Walker, Dembele, Wanyama and Eriksen. They are still strong but it's much more even now.

He's going to play. That'll do me

Richarlison & Calvert-Lewin will get a lot of chances in this team if Doucouré & Allen get the ball back and service Gomes & James.

The plan is clear.

But would have preferred Gibson on bench for CB cover

Kenny to start

And Gordon on bench

Add Holgate & Gbamin to that and I think we have a squad!!!

I’m gonna be sensible and realistic here and I think it might come too soon against a quality opponent to get a win but spurs are in for a game. By West Brom and beyond, I can see that team given many a team a hiding!!! No more soft centre. Early call, Gomes to be outstanding with the new players around him. Possible MOM.

COYFBB!!!!!!!!! In Carlo we trust

Allan deep
Gomes and Doucoure further forward
James from the right
Ricarlison from the left

Is it a case of match fitness comes from playing or simply it's the 'best' players responsibility to keep their position each week?

I can't see that as a 4-4-2 but who knows. I will not be critical of anyone on day 1, all my energy is being used to curtail my excitement of what the near future may hold.

Please no silly mistakes and lots of effort is all I ask. They rest will develop over the next few months.

What, no Delph?

Surprised a bit there is no CB on the bench. Mourinho is in the dressing room now telling them to leave the boot in on Mina, take him out and leave us short.

Also says don't expect James to be 100% out of the gate. Logical.

Carlo going for it. No undue respect given to Mourinho, who might've expected not to see Rodriguez, and a basically whole new midfield.

Great opening day feeling.

I'm happy with this, expect more chances for Richi who is the best mobile striker in the world and Brazilian national team, and DCL is good enough for Everton - just goals aside his pace and physical bullying keeps centre backs honest all game, no respite for them.

I'm hoping an extra 25 goals this season.
5 from the dominant Doucoure, 5 from James, 5 more for both strikers, 5 from others due to being further up the pitch more often.

Plus we have the best football tactician at the club for many years managing our team.

I am up to here (raises hand to forehead) with hope demolished by reality and the lame excuses that follow.

He certainly isn’t going watch the dross, and it was very bad. He’s not here to nurse us through to BMD.

Keep it going boys

I would like Gordon and Nkounkou to be involved but Nconker is a left back and couldn’t replace Seamus so Kenny is the right back up for the right side. Gibson or Branthwaite should be there also. They weren’t involved in the under 23 game.

Not long to go.

A good attitude is every bit as important as skill.

Im hoping for 3 points here but concerned that Atkinson is ref and Marriner is VAR.

Mike - live forum withdrawal. Been storing up some energy

The LF was loved, but in order to continue bringing the best Blue content on the planet, it had to go.

LIVE FORUM IS GO!

Call from the manager for motivation, determination and desire. "Shape not important"

Keeping it simple and uncomplicated. Wont argue with that either.

They are professionals who should know what is expected.

"Noone likes a grass but I saw a bit of the local ITV news the other day where they said Everton's last trophy was 15 years ago. Someone lost a decade. Easily done."

BBC live text. Within five minutes of each other. I'm so glad that we get fair coverage...,"Abdoulaye Doucoure has already made more tackles than the Everton midfield of last season."

"Noone likes a grass but I saw a bit of the local ITV news the other day where they said Everton's last trophy was 15 years ago. Someone lost a decade. Easily done."

BBC live text. Within five minutes of each other. I'm so glad that we get fair coverage...,,,1,16:40:30,,81.154.73.45,ok,23462,09/13/2020 16:40:30,rjgj6@hotmail.com,reader,,,no 1093063,39889,toffeeweb,13/09/2020,Alex Gray,Alexgray15@hotmail.com,We look brilliant so far! James is a joy to watch and doucoure looks class too. Allan a little behind the pace but my god it feels good to have a midfield!,We look brilliant so far! James is a joy to watch and doucoure looks class too. Allan a little behind the pace but my god it feels good to have a midfield!,,,1,17:00:27,,212.140.112.91,ok,20752,09/13/2020 17:00:27,alexgray15@hotmail.com,reader,,,no 1093064,39889,toffeeweb,13/09/2020,Steve Ferns,,Really enjoyed watching Ancelotti’s Everton 2.0. ,Really enjoyed watching Ancelotti’s Everton 2.0. ,,,1,17:17:41,,77.99.185.250,ok,2384,09/13/2020 17:17:41,stephen.ferns@hotmail.co.uk,reader,,,no 1093065,39889,toffeeweb,13/09/2020,Ciarán McGlone,cmcglone@donellykinder.com,Hugely enjoyable.

Passing the ball about with composure and purpose. Our midfield looks accomplished and confident.. final third ball still missing but it will come,Hugely enjoyable.

Passing the ball about with composure and purpose. Our midfield looks accomplished and confident.. final third ball still missing but it will come,,,1,17:18:30,,90.205.195.21,ok,664,09/13/2020 17:18:30,ciar�n,reader,,,no 1093066,39889,toffeeweb,13/09/2020,Ernie Baywood,balle@ap.aurecongroup.com,"Oh Richi...

Other than that it's been good, even if we've needed Pickford to save us a couple of times.

James... just class on the ball.

On 33 mins, a foul on Allan allowed Spurs their first big chance, that's what the FA expects from referees; pinpoint decisions that gives the game to the big 6. Had it been in reverse, and the foul had been given, and without a word from commentators, those kinds of things silently kills us, with the pundits then after the match saying stuff like "look how they got chances".

Football as the game of the people has its days numbered.

Decent performance and hopefully more of the same in the second half.

Fair play to Doucoure as he has been immense while Allan is struggling with the pace. Keane and Mina look like conceding at any moment while our under fire keeper has been imperious. This game is in the balance.

James looks wonderful. Touch, movement on the ball, skill, and the ability to go from 0-100 in a split second. He is like nothing we've ever had in recent times. He won't track back and run 15k a game...but we don't want him to.

Doucoure and Allen look very promising. Doucoure especially is all over the pitch, great athleticism. Allen very assured.

Improvements still to be made, spurs defend deep and thus difficult to break down. This has frustrated both Richarlison and DCL.

Mina looks great, and fit though. Which is a huge bonus.

Coleman needs to be careful, Son is targeting his lack of pace and the fact that James won't be covering his back.

But so far I'm greatly impressed. Also, well done Pickford. Needs to improve distribution, but 2 great saves when called upon. Hopefully he builds on that.

Fantastic.

I thought James looked quality on the ball. Doucoure the sort of player we have needed forever. Allan was great in the second half. All 3 exactly what we needed... Just exactly.

DCL did well and scored a beauty. Full backs were both excellent, especially Seamus. Richy was brillian... just missing the last bit! Centre backs still make me nervous but didn't put a foot wrong.

And a special mention for our keeper. Great saves, great decisions.

Lid's off. Haven't felt this excited about Everton since that first season under Roberto.

Easy to get carried away but we looked controlled, organised and well coached. Hope this is a sign to come as White Hart Lane is always such a tough ground even though they looked like us last season.

Bit of a worry going forward was the subs weren't at the same level as the starters. Brilliant day to be a blue and thoroughly well done Carlo

Absolutely fucking fantastic!

Glad you didn't mate, like Sissoko you would not have been good enough.

Gutted we can't watch this in person - for the first time in my life I feel a bit of empathy with the RS who missed out on their big season. Actually, scrub that, fuck 'em.

Happy days are here again.

Controlled the game second half.

Happy days.

All three newcomers were excellent, and I think they really pulled out their tripe for Carlo, who is obviously the reason why they are here! Fantastic stuff.

Even Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whom I am admittedly extremely critical of, took his goal superbly.

Richarlison... not so much!

The new midfield was something else... balanced, competent, James R looks like an elite player and who knows, maybe these 3 have given cause to the others to perk up their game a bit... certainly looked that way.

And pleased for Calvert-Lewin to score; he took his goal very well, that's a very hard situation to score from in terms of timing your jump and header, given he had a defender either side of him.

Great, great win and what a start to the season.

[Cough!]

I liked it that Gomes was first subbed out for Siggy. Carlo challenging both: 'Make me pick YOU for a starting berth.'

1-11 superb today. Early days but I’m excited and optimistic.

Thought Pickford had an excellent game too. We need him to sort his head out and that’s a great start

Pickford was better. He looked a keeper. Coleman was back to his best and should quash the talk of a new right back for the season. Michael Keane was excellent (yes it is me saying that) and proved me wrong by playing well in a higher (but not high) line. Mina had one of his best games. Digne was back to something approaching his best. Allan was terrific in a restrained and disciplined role. Doucoure was the best player on the pitch. Gomes was at the heart of our best football and looked so much better with quality around him. Sigurdsson came on and looked alright. James looked sheer quality, although he didn’t quite deliver a knockout blown. Calvert Lewin was a willing runner and scored a great header. And so, last years best player, Richarlison looked the weak link! If he’d given Calvert-Lewin a tap in and curled one of his shots in the far post, I’d be singing his praises. Fine lines and all that.

There’s so much positivity to take away from that performance. We’ve set the bar now. We need to keep that level. If we do, well we can dream. Even if that’s the weakest spurs team we’ve played in years.

Carlo magnifico!

Excellent all round.

I now look forward to watching the game again from start to finish. This time I am POSITIVE we will win.

PS> I am so glad we didn't sign Sidibe

Pickford – 2 excellent saves in the 1st half, and very little to do in the 2nd.
Coleman – fantastic defending, not so great in attack
Digne – vice versa
Gomes – protected the ball really well, someone on TW has predicted a break out season for him. Could very well be.
Allan – was surprised how well he settled in. Not playing in front of crowds I think will help our foreign imports Allan and James to settle in better.
Doucouré – fantastic energy
James – again I was surprised by how quickly he has settled and how long he lasted in the game.
Calvert-Lewin – had a quiet 1st half but what a belter of a goal in the 2nd! So, so pleased for him after the rather poor end to last season.
Richarlison – the rest of the league better watch out. If he improves his composure, he is going to be one hell of a footballer for us. Should have had a hat-trick today. Great 2nd half.
Keane and Mina were solid all day, and didn't look particularly troubled.
Sigurdsson and Davies were effective in what they were asked to do. Kean didn't see much of the ball.

Carlo got his tactics spot on. Great start and something to build on and get excited about. I hope and pray that we get lucky this season with injuries. I think Brands is still quietly working behind the scenes and we haven't seen the last incoming player yet this transfer window.

“83% Pass accuracy
1 Chance created
10/10 Dribbles completed
27/30 Duels won
1/7 Shots on target“

“He gave Doherty a torrid time. So often in space, so often involved, so often key. Capable of reaching the top.”

“ 79 touches
22/25 Duels Won (most)
10/10 Dribbles Completed (most)
07 Shots (most)
06 Times Fouled (most)
05 Tackles
01 Key Pass
01 Big Chance Missed

Brilliant Performance”

Richarlison was great today, even without scoring or laying the ball off for Dom.

Happy days, long may it continue.

Great result and a professional display. Makes a nice change.

Not asking any more than this.

James ? As good as we all knew he could be. as good as we all hoped he would be...Long may it continue.

Richi will get better. In fact, I don't feel anyone was at 100% today.

And that is exciting. We were at 70, when we find that extra 30% we can be a real force.

Richi is a great player. Last season he was alone, now he's no longer the only fish in the pond who can swim.

But I feel he will benefit greatly from James taking the limelight.

I'd say it's our best performance away in London to a "top six" since Roberto's first season at Arsenal when we dominated. Difference being that on that occasion we settled for a point.

Also, it's the first time in years I've watched a game without getting distracted not because it's edge of your seat praying we can hold on but because it's good football, comfortable in control. Great performance all around.

⭐️ Man of the Match, @Everton's Allan
73 touches
Completed 46/55 passes
8 x possession gained
4 tackles
3 clearances
2 interceptions
PL debut in Everton's 1st win v Tottenham since Dec 2012

By the way, the Colombians are out in force on Everton twitter. We’ve got 46m new fans by the look of it!

I always knew Carlo would turn this sinking ship around if he was backed by the board and what a difference his bambinos made.

Well done to all the lads and let’s have more of that!

I’m worried I’m feeling so optimistic!!

But when you get a manager of this kind of reputation and experience... is this what you get?

We signed the exact three players we could have wished for. We didn't pay ridiculous sums (comparatively). And they were ready to go straight away.

It's just incredible isn't it?

By the way, I could watch that DCL header all day. And I might.

Marvellous news I really didn't expect anything.

Onwards and upwards blue boys

Good performance today. Not giving stupid free kicks away. Keeping the ball and actually moving forward. We had a midfield winning the ball back.

I’m not getting carried away but bloody encouraging. Only disappointment for me was Pickford’s distribution.

James, my word if he gets better as his fitness improves we have a serious talent on our hands!

Doucoure, energy and fight!

All 3 made excellent impressions on debut! The bar has been set! One happy and optimistic blue tonight. What a goal dom!

One team played proper football and should have had 3 or 4 from 15 chances.

The other played dour aggressive shite and had 2 or 3 chances.

With no Europe distraction we should be fielding our strongest team every game. Very excited!

Brilliant.

I was really impressed with James. I thought he'd get caught out for pace in the PL (especially so against an aggressive team like spurs) but their midfield couldn't get near him. He was a different level.

That new trio have transformed us. A man aggressive ball Winner. A stamina machine and. Magician. It was a sight to behold. So comfortable in possession and never once did I feel like we would g close out the game.

Give this Everton team a lead and you’re in for a long afternoon. They’ll pass you in to exhaustion. Some teams are gonna take a hiding off us this year.

Enjoy your pints, blues. We deserve it

Carlo fantastico!

The current lads looked the part and raised their game.

We’ve been waiting for this for years, we’ve got a bit of strength in depth too so I am optimistic we can be consistent.We could be in for a hell of a ride this season.

(See what I did there!!)

I said from day 1 he is what we have been crying out for, a top quality manager who has won everything you can win in the game. I also repeat when we signed James and Allan if Ancelotti wasn't here then they wouldn't be here. When Sky asked him before the game what formation he would play, he said the belief and focus we display is far more important than the formation. While DCL scored a fabulous header and he and Richarlison worked extremely hard, I have seen both play better, on another day Richarlison could have had a hat trick.

James was quality from minute one, I never doubted for a minute that he still possessed the quality that made him a superstar, and as Carlo said he was never blessed with pace, but what vision and first touch he posses. Allan a real quality player as was Doucoure. I am sure as the weeks go bye and their team mates get used to them then they will be even more effective.

Yes I know its only 1 game and yes Spurs did have a couple of opportunities, but Pickford was back to his best today. But we looked composed and in control, and when was the last time we could say that after playing a top 6 club away from home.

Enjoy it and be patient, and the club will be competitive this season.

A couple more wins like this, and we may hopefully "attract" another 'A' player before transfer window ends. That would put us right in the top 4 mix.

Train is in motion, and the world takes another glance at us to check if it's really happening.

Always thought Pickford would play well in a top team, as last season he looked completely bored playing with people that had no ambition. I expect Pickford to go on to be just as good all season knowing there is a very good chance of hearing the Champions League music next season with this savvy manager and new signings, plus the tournament with England to be the main as a another target.

On to Salford and play a few in the "shop window", and get through the round without injuries hopefully.

Very difficult not to get carried away, just enjoying the moment.

Gary Neville was very complimentary and Tim n Cahill honest as usual. In fact, it was refreshing to hear Sky actually lauding us got a change.

We are, have been, and always will be a bigger club than spurs.

Glad the guys who have received the most hate from the doubters were huge today: Pickford showed his shot-stopping class — and despite the poor distribution, this match is completely different without those big saves — Calvert-Lewin showed why he deserves to be our #9, especially with a solid midfield behind him, and Coleman was massive, especially in shutting down Son, the best we’ve seen him in years.

And to think we did it all without Holgate. Obviously the drop-off with our subs is concerning, but once we get fully fit, we can compete with anyone.

As others have mentioned, so glad Hojbjerg went to Spurs. He and Mourinho deserve each other. He might be younger than Allan and Doucoure, but other than that, we’re much better off with what we’ve got.

COYB!

Your are right about Doherty, he ruined him.

Different experience that was! Great result and even better performance from what I saw.

West Brom at home will be a very different proposition with much less space afforded to us in behind but hopefully we'll have some confidence to build upon and should be looking at 6 from 6.

Michael#146, you have taken a bit of the shine off the day, I was going to suggest that “DCL was trying to duck out of the way, but the ball struck the side of his head and flopped into the net”. But you’ve been big enough to praise him.

What a pleasure it was to see us taking the game to our opponents. And James looks like a half-decent footballer.

By the way, that photograph on here of DCL scoring is superb.

Plenty to come and a great team performance. The new players have an aura that’s impacted this squad, and now to do the same v WBA.

The best EFC performance by miles, in many seasons.

Let’s keep it up, forget the rest, let them worry, about us.

In Allan and Doucoure we have signed a couple of ready made winners. They came into a new side and looked like they’d been here for years. That confidence then spread through the team, even to our beleaguered keeper who was excellent.

I didn’t expect James to start, let alone have such an impact. If we can get him playing this season could be very special!

Allen was fantastic in front of the back 4, which seemed to calm the likes of Mina and Keane. Digne and Coleman also had really good games. On another day Richie would have had a hat trick and really should have scored at least two today and DCL took his goal well, he's really come on the last 18 months.

Comparing this Everton side to that from 12 months ago is chalk and cheese. A world class manager in the dug out, some proper class midfielders in the team to link defence to attack and every other player seems to have responded and raised their game.

One game at a time and a great way to start the season. West Brom at home next, already looking forward to that.

Only slight negative is that the bench looked really poor. Sigurdsson was average and Kean did next to nothing when he came on. Hopefully we can get a couple more in before the deadline. Could really do with another striker as we have nothing up top if DCL gets injured - he'll also need a rest at some point.

Looks like potentially great times ahead but not getting carried away (yet).

I am assuming this is Chelsea, City, United, Arsenal, Spurs and someone else.

Are we saying the team was in the top 6 when we played them or just one of these 6?
We beat Chelsea at home last season.
Season before we beat Arsenal, United and Chelsea.

So are we talking away?
But we lost at City before we won at United, so that is 6 seasons = 36 plus 4. So we have only not won for 40 games away from home. We just are so negative as always.

Rob #212 - totally agree. I am getting my state pension in a few weeks and I cannot remember 60/61 when they won the league - I was only 6½!

Craig #180 - beat Stoke at home on first day of 2017/18 season. Rooney scored the only goal.

Richarlison against Spurs:

◉ Most recoveries (12)
◉ Most take-ons completed (10)
◉ Most shots attempted (7)
◉ Most fouls won (6)
◉ Most tackles (5)

◎ 100% aerials won
◎ 100% take-ons completed
◎ 100% tackle-success

That is insane stats on Richarlison! :-)

I'm sure Sigurdsson can contribute this season! I'm hoping Kean comes good. He is in the Italian team! He must have some qualities?! Kenny just had a very good season in Germany! Bernard will play better with the midfield we had today! Walcott has lots of experience!

My left-field shout is that I think Bolasie can contribute this year too?! Maybe I'm just in too good a mood?!

Sell Sandro, Besic, Iwobi and bring in one more quality forward and I'm quite happy with the squad once Gbamin and Holgate are back!

Need to avoid injuries though...

I think we have some new fans.

Spurs are heavily reliant on paying back stadium loans with revenue generated by the matchday crowd and stadium events. Now with Covid-19 scuppering any NFL paydays and the prospect of empty or 50% capacity stadium, Spurs are actually screwed on the playing side. They can't afford the signings they need to gate crash the top 4 and, week by week, they fall further behind in paying off the stadium.

The likes of Kane and Son will soon be off and Mourinho will soon follow them. Pochettino left because of lack of investment in the team and Levy will be even less reluctant now. Ironic that the stadium that should lead them to a golden era, at least in the short term, will screw them over massively.

After the win today he was seemingly asked whether he was concerned about Rodriguez's lack of pace.

He said "If I wanted speed I'd have signed Usain Bolt."

I reckon Gomes, Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin and Kean could improve playing with the new boys.

It was interesting watching Davies come on and put himself about to break up the game quite well – Sigurdsson not so much.

Defence were okay and Pickford played better than I've seen in a while.

Doucouré, Allan and Rodriguez showed great football control. Coleman, Mina and Digne followed suit. The others were better, Gomes the best of them, but can improve.

First game of the season syndrome for Richarlison, but was always available in great positions, and Calvert-Lewin got better position-wise as the game went on. Kean looked in place when he came on. Sigurdsson was okay. . . but still has a tendency to go missing.

That stadium cost is likely accurate. Wembley cost slightly more years ago. Never mind any London effect, there's no way our stadium will cost "Only" £500 million.

Now 'el Profi' has two players that clearly adore him and require no introduction to his methods. He has added Doucoure, who has played us off the park a couple of times for Watford, and finally we may see some of this Ancelotti magic rub off on us.

Sure we are only a few injuries away from the doldrums but today was an excellent team performance all over, so confidence is clearly starting to flow at long last.

I agree with that nod to 'scouse' humour, however, the most important thing that Carlo uttered was when asked about the terrific debuts of James Rodriguez, Allan, and Abdoulaye Doucoure mere days after signing for Everton, he said:

“The players that are able to play football, they don’t need a lot of time to adapt,”

“James, Allan, I just said to them to show their quality and I think they did. … We have a good combination in midfield because we have players with quality. We have Allan really well in position, Doucoure that can work box-to-box. Last season we had a lot of players with quality with the ball but in football, you have to play without the ball.”

It doesn't say much for the many debutants we have had in the last few years, I would expect that those who didn't make the squad today - unless they are injured or are too young - will be wearing a different club shirt in the not too distant future.

As per usual, we have to be careful not to get too carried away, Spurs aren't the same side as they were a few years ago, and may have peaked the season before last. More difficult tasks lie ahead, but getting the win today at one of the chosen six, is a great way to start the season.

Whatever happens, I'd much rather watch what we saw today than some of the putrid performances that have been put in during the last few years.

Btw, I accept your nomination. A dose of realism is important. 👍

Stephen 243 - sorry but I hope the likes of Sigurdsson, Walcott, Bernard and also Iwobi don't play many more games for Everton and we can move some of them on. They have the odd decent game but I think they're all generally average and no better than bench material. As they're all on >£100k/week each, that's not a great investment. James and Richarlison are head and shoulders above all of them. Walcott was a panic buy and I'm still not sure why we signed Iwobi, never mind paying about £30m for him - he still has 4 years on his contract!

It's a simple game, no matter how many try to complicate it. Two strong centre mids protect the back four, keep the other team in their half longer, keep the ball more, give other players more time and space.

I'm glad we have a manager confident enough to do the simple things.

Just a start, but a bloody good one.

Interesting incite and I believe that Covid will give them problems.

The problem with Spurs is they had a good Manager who did the best he could with the players he had, but they needed to spec up and Levy wasn't prepared to do it. Mourinho is stuck with the same players, but they are older and new potential additions will not improve them.

I know Moshiri has wasted a lot of money, but he has not given up. The financing of the Stadium will be dependent on what other deals can be worked around the site with the Peel group. The finances will be largely peer to peer as opposed to institutional which is the case with Spurs. Institutional. investors making demands on the playing side is not a good thing.

I also thought that Davies worked harder than Sigurdsson.

I would add a cautious note of encouragement to Moise Kean. He came on for a handful of minutes and got involved and worked hard. Too liitle time to make any assessment other than I have not given up on him and nor has Prof Carlo.

They say covid19 problems. For us its kind of bizarrly good. Covid 19 makes the price of players drop. If days would have been normal we would have never gotten the price for James, Doucoure and Allan. Now we got all 3 for only about 60 million.

We should buy 3 more quality players when we have the chance. Then when covid 19 is not a huge problem again we can offload frince players for a good price. Kind of the same strategy as buying cheap on the stock market. You buy when its blood on the streets.

Just for interest I visited one of the Spurs fans forum. Not to create havoc but to see what they felt about their club purchases, the game today, the run up to it and the aftermath of the game. In some parts it is funny as anything. Notice the programme about Spurs on Amazon Prime read the first comment.

https://thefightingcock.co.uk/forum/threads/tottenham-v-everton-sunday-september-13-4-30pm.37036/page-78

Finally the shock at watching our team rip them to shreds in their eyes.
https://thefightingcock.co.uk/forum/threads/tottenham-v-everton-sunday-september-13-4-30pm.37036/page-85

I posted these two links to show it is the press that builds up other teams so they appear greater than our team. We are feared that our team will wake and hopely that stirring has started.

Allan and Doucoure provided everything we were crying out for in midfield. When Doucoure chased down Moura on the break and swept the ball away, the announcers even commented "I don't think you'd have seen Sigurdsson or Schneiderlin do that."

James faded a little in the second half, as you'd probably expect, but his passing ability looked absolutely sublime. If this is how fluid and functional and confident the team looks after a week of training together, I can't wait to see what the season holds.

PS - just rewatched the goal and good god was that a perfect free kick by Digne.

I said before the game Carlo has worked out who wants to play for the shirt and the new guys coming in was a shot across the bows to the rest of the squad.

I also looked at our first five fixtures the other shower being the 5th and thought if we get off to a good start against Spurs there's 15 points we could bag. ( we are so due a win against the devils spawn).

Kuedos to Seamus today for a MOTM performance just to show he is not giving the shirt up quietly.

Special mention for Jose's 2 new recruits. They looked like yard dogs. Glad we swerved Hojberg and sorry to upset our Irish fans but Doherty was made to look like a championship player by Richie.

First was during the Harry Kane shove-fest after the tackle on Rich, Yeri Mina started getting into it with Kane, and looked to be getting hot under the collar. Jordan Pickford pulls Yeri away and tells him to calm down.

When Jordan Pickford is the voice of reason, do pigs fly?

Second was at the end of the game, Dunc went over to Dom and gave him a look and a hand-slap five. There’s some weird symbiosis between Dunc and Dom, a fantastic relationship they have.

I hope the big fella keeps Dom under his wing, and Dom continues to learn from him.

What a day.

We looked strong across the midfield, with the different players helping to give us a little bit of everything, and again it’s early days, but Ancelotti, does come across as a man with great wisdom, when he talks about his trade.

Pass, move, little triangles, players playing with loads of awareness, and looking like we have the makings of a genuine football team. It’s early days I know! But I can’t remember Everton being this positive, since I was a child.

He was clearly targeted for the first 30 mins by Mourinho as our weak link.

Mourinho expected Son to exploit this, supported by Alli who was obviously instructed to support Son on the left.

Typical disdain shown and I’m glad Seamus came through it with some ease.

The last player to create as many chances was probably Pickford in that game at Newcastle.

I thought he was outstanding today. He was put in a much wider position rather than working close to Calvert-Lewin. What I noticed throughout the game was the number of times he was available on the touchline to take the ball and hold it (often twisting and turning and doing little dribbles) from the midfielders or Digne. Very accurate with his passing once he made himself space.

We avoided the nonsensical passing around close to the 6-yard box of last season but still played it out and for that to work you need someone to pick up the ball in midfield and I thought he did that today. The goals will come.

The passes of Rodriguez were something we haven't seen since I've been an adult, that's for sure.

I know it's one game, but was that Everton?

3 key signings. So much more effective than our shotgun approach of previous windows.

Midfield is the hub of any team and at long last we seem to have one. Our front players will relish the improvement in the quality of midfield service. Our defenders will appreciate the improvement in the quality of midfield cover.

Spurs were abject but we made them look so. Last season we all too often played badly and lost against poor teams. While one win is never enough to hang out the bunting, it was the nature of the performance, as much as the result, which gives us justifiable cause for optimism.

Rubbish. Spurs were technically and tactically played off the pitch by a better side and lucky not to have been beaten by more.

Steve Fern's comments about the possible gradual introduction of the 3 new signings would probably be correct except that the alternative midfielders we have are so poor that Ancelotti didn't have the that luxury.

Keane, again was dominant. I believe the strengthening of our midfield, will have a huge impact on our performances all over the pitch, for the coming season.

James Rodriquez – fucking quality. COYB

As Pickford's and Sigurrdson's biggest critic, it is only fair that I give both praise where it is due. Pickford made some excellent stops. He actually looked comfortable intercepting in the air today. I still think he tends to get caught in two minds when called upon to deal with corners and set pieces. But today's performance can only be confidence building. I truly hope by the season's end, he will have forced me to eat my critical words.

Sigurdsson did all that was asked of him and produced a couple of nice touches. He can stake a claim if he continues to impress. As indeed can other squad players.

The new 'Three Amigos' showed us what's been missing. They seamlessly slotted in. We looked like a team at long last, that's been playing together for a long time. I make no secret that I am getting carried away. Today, I had every right to!

From what I witnessed today, maybe through optimistic, and blue-tinted spectacles, we have a group of players who providing they stay fit, will be a match for any Premier League side.

Maybe that is a bold statement, but I truly believe that we are very near to having the perfect blend of graft and creativity to pose a problem for anyone.

James Rodriguez played some superb passes today, which illustrated his reading of the game, and his undoubted ability! Remembering, of course, they have only had a couple of days to train together, but the signs, though early on, are there!

Can't wait for the derby match!

If Colin Glassar, the hopeful realist, is now ToffeeWeb's misery in chief, then this is the happiest this site has been in 20 years.

Me too. I also felt reassured to know it wasn't just a ToffeeWeb fantasy about Sigurdsson and Schneiderlin.

Strangely enough before Man City & Spurs were elevated into the Sky inner circle we used to regularly turn the pair of them over regularly with little fuss but such is the inferiority complex that has engulfed our club that once they were deemed untouchable then we've rolled over to them in the same way we've been rolling over to the 'big boys' for the last 20 years.

Today's win is far more significant than that Martinez anomaly at Old Trafford because only Desperate Davey could have overseen such a fuck up.

I saw something today that I have rarely seen over the last painful 20 years, an Everton team defending a single goal lead that was not desperately clinging on for grim death. Usually, regardless of the quality opposition or whether it be home or away if we're defending a single goal lead then normally all hell breaks loose.

None of that shit happened today, as much as the press will rubbish Spurs rather than praise Everton we just didn't give them anything, even Pickford came out and claimed crosses taking the pressure off, exactly what every fan would expect from a top keeper. I really don't want to get carried away but I saw a proper football team today. Please don't let this be another false dawn.

I was amazed James played pretty much the whole game given how his general physical shape has been reported. His class shone through but I was immensely pleased that he showed some real athleticism, going to ground and regaining his feet almost effortlessly, as well as strength and toughness when he bounced back up and jarred Højbjerg, I think it was, after being bumped to the ground.

As I was a teenager in the mid 80s I had to feel for him. Was having a pint with him in the Shakespeare last week and told him we will win the league this season. Now the poor soul thinks it's happening. He'll have a big head in the morning.

After about an hour I declared Allan as being MotM, he controlled his defensive area as if he'd wore that blue shirt for years, the comparison by some guys to Peter Reid were bang on the money. Doucouré was excellent today in terms of power and energy box to box, he brought a set of bollocks to our midfield that we have lacked for a long time, Richarlison, despite his miss (I had a fiver on him 1st goal 8/1!) was brilliant today, not just an outlet when he can get us a free kick, he has a knack of drawing the opposition in, old head on young shoulders (the Sky 4 have many of these type of players that win them free kicks when under the cosh) I got a text off a RS friend when the game was on, he said "Richarlison goes down quite easy mate" I said "most of your squad does mate week in week out, you get most of them decisions, we don't. 2 pens yesterday" etc etc.

Anyway early days but this blue nose can sense something good coming our way.

Pickford looked as if he'd took on some serious coaching advice in "pre season". He was excellent today, cut out the bullshit lad & do the basics good, he did today, his punching out of the box today was excellent, stick to it & you will be great.

I also think Calvert-Lewin has to now get used to the quality we have in midfield, two balls yesterday were put into him and he strugggled what to do with them, the 1st one he should have let the ball carry on in front of him and he was in on goal. A bit harsh there, guys as he scored a great header tbf. Anyway, great result and well deserved.

I haven't seen a match we've been so dominating on the ball against a top 6 team. I know team under Mourinho doesn't really care about possession %, but still it is great to watch.

I rejected the idea of signing James in the first place. Thinking he's approaching the end of career, injury prone and on big wage. But his performance today just oozes class. Everytime he touches the ball, I'll hold my breath expecting something will happen. Hope he stay healthy and fit.

I think the arrival of new players also bring out the best of the others. Gomes can focus on what he does well. Also very happy with Calvert-Lewin. It's exactly the type of goal I'd like him scoring. What a clean bullet header!

When's the next game? Can't wait.

How much can change in such a short space of time! Aside for the first 20 minutes, I thought we domintated Spurs on their own patch. Yes Pickford had to make 2 saves but really we should have scored at least 3 if not more. I can't recall any serious chances created by Spurs

The Allan & Doucouré partnership looks fantastic. James, despite not being fully match fit, made the game look so easy.

We have had many false dawns over the years but I am genuinely excited about this season and cannot wait for the WBA game as it will be on at a watchable hour live over here.

Today, is going to be a good day. Thank you, Everton, for an excellent birthday present!

Good performance, great result. Hopefully Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin can grow and become savvy about which runs to make and when. Given that they have not had much experience with having well timed passes provided to them, let's hope their learning curve is quick.

Richarlison actually presented well on many occasions and his dribbles and holdup play were noticeably improved. Calvert-Lewin got the goal and worked hard but needs to accelerate his positioning and timing when the midfield is progressing towards him.

The final point I saw today was that all the players really seemed to enjoy their football, I think we had 15 goal attempts. Long may that continue!

Rather it is our existing squad that needs time on the training pitch so that they can get more up to speed and understanding with the new signings.

Hopefully the existing squad can individually improve quickly by the exposure on the training pitch, otherwise the dropoff in quality will be too stark whenever any of the new signings are not on the pitch for the inevitable reasons as the season progresses.

But I can't see anyone who can effectively spell Allan, with the exception of Doucoure which would then detract from a box to box presence. As excited as I was today with our lack of midfield quality being addressed, the problem now clearly presented is our lack of quality midfield depth!! I guess the hope is that Gbamin and Delph can overcome their fitness issues and provide better quality backup. As always, its the hope that kills you.

Well done to all the players today, but I'm just hoping we win something this season for Coleman as much as anyone: he's given 100% throughout his career, even coming back from a horrific injury, and for £60,000, probably the best buy of the modern era. He wears the armband with pride, and it would be fitting for him to lift a trophy, in what is probably his last season as a regular choice.

And I know, Graham Lloyd, you'll have a great birthday down under, thanks to Carlo & Co

What a wonderful way to start a new week, an Everton away win at Spurs! I haven't felt this excited on a Monday morning in many a year. We also have a Spurs supporting chief cook whom I look forward to seeing very shortly.

I am currently devouring everything readable available to get some idea of how the game went. From what I have seen so far, it sounds like a top performance. Let's hope there are many more to follow and well done the boys in blue!

But, that first touch from James though, that first Galactico type crossfield pass...!

You just knew.
You just knew! :)))

James made me remember the first game Alan Ball played for the blues, the great first touch of Alex Young and Duncan McKenzie.You can't put it into words, the excitement and expectation is overwhelming.

We are in for a great season just watching this little genius play.

Only downer for me was Richarlison as he is the captain in my dream team! He is no longer the biggest fish in the pond and will hopefully thrive, he didn't look very sharp but will get plenty of chances now with our new midfield.

Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and James need 5/6 players just to mark the three of them, brilliant stuff.

Allan was immense and Doucouré powerful and full of energy.

Pinch me!

There seemed to be a few disenchanted players in white on the pitch albeit of a better quality but showing, I felt, the sort of enthusiasm we have become used to watching in the last couple of seasons.

I wonder If Harry Kane fancies joining the Royal Blue Project?

Pickford improved in some of his weak areas. Firstly he was always very good as a one-on-one shot-stopper, he did his job where he did improve were in his dominance of the 6-yard box especially in the second half. First half he was still a bit cautious.

However, his accuracy in his kick-outs is still woeful and will cause us problems. A number of times in the first half he thought he was James trying to round players, putting our defenders under pressure and he found touch a total of 5/6 times. Any rugby would be delighted with that sort of return.

The texts I received last night were full of happiness and joy, and after listening to Ancelotti, he made me feel that he has felt our pain, and he’s here to give us some real joy.

Evertonians have stood the test of time as much as any set of fans, and I’ve read people say Sky TV, don’t like us, but every single pundit mentioned the fans, because the whole country knows it’s the fans who have kept Everton going, so hopefully Mike’s lad, has got to start getting used to having some very serious hangovers!

Comment I saw on a Spurs thread slating Mourinho but sums it up nicely what other fans are maybe seeing.

The mood on here I haven't witnessed before. Now I know it's only one game but we now know that this team under Ancelotti will not be allowed to revert to our previous level of football. No more "knives to a gunfight" mentality.

Thank you, Carlo Ancelotti!

We'll be taking guns to bunfights from now on!

Great performance though but let's back it up with a home win.

As per my earlier comment, I still can only remember us winning away from home on the opening day at Charlton and I think Weir scored. I know someone said we beat Stoke under Koeman when Rooney scored but that was at Goodison. It's pretty rare in the last 10 or 15 years for us to win an away game on the opening day.

As an update, I've just checked and I was right. It was 2000/2001. To be fair, we tend to be drawn at home on the opening day more often than not.

https://www.evertonresults.com/firstday.htm

The half clearance, half pass that he plucked out of the air about 4ft up near the half way line. Perfect control, then with minimum effort danced past his marker and gave himself a yard of space on his left foot.

A quick glance and he saw Richarlison making his run behind the Spurs right back. Then, in an instant, he curled the most sublime ball in that put it in on a plate for Richarlison to head home. If ever any skill deserved a goal, it was that. Great stuff from the Columbian maestro, long may it continue.

If we can maintain that team form and add Zaha (maybe), we will lift some kind of silverware this season, I am sure of it.

Still smiling here, all positives from me!!!

Bild says in november that Bayern demand 130 million euros for Haverts.

Rudy Vøller says no rebate because of coronavirus the 22nd of August.

4th of September - Chelsea says yes to sign Haverts for 62 + 8 million in bonuses.

That is much cheaper that initially suggested. So I think Corona rebate.

The fans make Everton. I know that's a cliche, but taking Tony's point a step further, I don't think Everton has ever been fashionable or loved / liked by the media. Not in my lifetime anyway.

If you think back to the 80s, despite our then standing (only Liverpool had won more titles), we were unfashionable. The media were alway more interested in the obvious (Love-a-pool) and United, but even Tottenham were more appealing to them, even though they only had 2 titles to their name and had actually only come back up to the top flight in the late 70s.

Richarlison will run riot this season. He can drift out to the left where he likes to get the ball and run at defenders. He will get plenty of space and service with James operating on the other flank.

Looks like Calvert-Lewin is coming of age as a centre forward. Duncan saw it all along apparently.

I was also impressed with Mina – he is committed to the club and his teammates. Have another look at his reaction to Calvert-Lewin's goal and his aggression towards Kane when Hodgepodge kicked Richarlison. He is going to be a monster for us. He is only 25.

And as for the three newcomers – 😁😁😁

Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison will benefit from not being the ones who have all the burden on them.

Pickford and the defence will benefit from having an aggressive, positive and creative midfield in front of them. You could see the difference in Mina yesterday. Hopefully now we will see the player and leader he can be.

I am cautiously (scarred Evertonian caveat) optimistic!!

(See what I did there?)

NB ToffeeWeb Isn’t always like this, it’s normally a pit of stinking misery.

You’ve timed it well!

I’ve never been that interested in Everton signing Zaha, but imagine him on one flank, Richarlison, on the other and Rodríguez playing in front of Allen & Dacoure?

A mouthwatering prospect imo, and that’s why I feel another direct wide man, would improve this team/squad even more.

If this happens, I’d fancy us to give the top 4 places a run for its money this season. Early days I know, and we would also have to be fortunate with injuries, but how exciting would it be to watch?

Yes it will be interesting to see how long the new-founded happy clappy atmosphere on ToffeeWeb will prevail. And which player will be the one who sparks the rot (if you can indeed spark rot, but you know what I mean).

But it’s just lovely to see players trying, and not treating the ball like a foreign object. Praise the Lord.

I for one am actually both excited and happy. However, to cite P. G. Wodehouse, I do fear that Fate will shortly be creeping up from behind with either the leaden sock, or the bit of lead piping.

I cannot recall offhand if you are a regular on the live forum. That is a place that some people dare to enter with fear and trepidation in their hearts. Comparatively, it was like the Stepford WIves on Sunday.

I’m as glass half empty as the worst of them but surely at some point are fortunes change longer term? I lived in Manchester close to Maine Road in the 90s. Those poor long suffering City fans had no reason for hope after consecutive relegations and money issues. Things changed. Ditto a decade earlier Chelsea were a joke and almost went to the wall. So I’m not saying we are going to win the league this year but I’m hopeful we can get past the expectation of perpetual doom

The Live Forum is too dangerous for me.

We sign another good wide man, and suddenly we will become a match for any team in this league, looking at the way we set our stall out on Sunday?

I’m not getting carried away, I’m just dreaming a little bit, but suddenly we look a lot closer to the better teams and if we can shift 4 or 5 players over the next few weeks we might just be able to bring in that one more piece of real quality?. I’m gonna keep dreaming anyway!

I too am not getting carried away, but you just sense that we do now have players make the opposition worry about what we can do to them.

It's just great to feel positive again instead of feeling despair, or having to try and justify or reason why we're not that bad.

Optimism; I think for the first time in years I've genuinely remembered what real optimism feels like.

Unfortunately, I was in hospital on the day of the match but my son recorded it for me and I was able to enjoy it when I came home yesterday. At long last, we have quality players and a top man as Manager, let's enjoy the season.

For so long, I have felt like an old cynic just waiting for something to squash the hope out of me as it has done for the last 25 years. But this "feels" different, we have a manager who knows what he is doing, with a pedigree that engenders belief and trust with an owner prepared to back him. It's a positive and winning foundation we haven't seen at the club for a long time.

One swallow does not make a summer, but summer is coming to the blue half of Merseyside at long last.