Everton 1 Tottenham 1: Erik Lamela salvages a point for Spurs after Ross Barkley’s curled free-kick gave hosts the lead early on

ERIK LAMELA helped salvage a point for Tottenham in the first game of their latest Premier League title-bid, as a second-half header cancelled out a Ross Barkley free-kick.

Barkley got the Toffees off to a flier after his set-piece cross drifted through the penalty area and past the despairing dive of Hugo Lloris.

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However, despite looking out of it for much of the game, Spurs were back on level terms on the hour mark thanks to Erik Lamela's header from a Kyle Walker cross.

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FACTS, STATS, GOALS & LOLS

• RONALD KOEMAN aimed to avoid one over the eight. Billy Bingham in 1973 is the last new boss to lose his first game – five wins and three draws since.
• NO trophies for 21 years on the pitch but at least they got a bronze in the Media Choice section of the Stadium, Events and Hospitality Awards 2016.
• IN this era of breeze-block, corporate stadiums, Goodison Park on opening day is a real throwback. Great atmosphere – old school at its best.

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• SEAMUS COLEMAN'S ankle problem is clearly worse than hoped. He arrived in a protective boot and will be missing for up to two months. A huge blow
• KOEMAN’S boot up Ross Barkley’s backside clearly worked. Five minutes in and he was on the score-sheet. Mind games at their best.
• SPURS are great going forward but flaky at the back. Everton’s Phil Jagielka was the only man close to getting a head on the ball for the opener.
• KEVIN MIRALLAS is a man reborn. Desperate to leave under the old regime, he already looks back to the form which made him such a hero here two seasons ago.

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• FEW people can read a game like Gareth Barry. This was his 700th game, and while the legs are creaking, the brain is as sharp as ever.
• SPURS may have been one of last year’s great entertainers but were anything but at Goodison. It took them half an hour for a decent attack.
• BARKLEY is Everton’s opening day go-to man. Three times in the last four seasons he’s hit their first goal.
• MAARTEN STEKELENBURG is going to be a huge addition to the ranks. The keeper made some stunning stops

SOCIAL SAYS

WHAT THEY SAID

Everton boss Ronald Koeman:  "We had a big, big chance close to half-time with Gerard Deulofeu. They had two big chances too but I think it is a fair result.

"The reaction of the crowd and fans was fantastic. I am very pleased about our first performance against a very good team.

"Ross Barkley's first goal is one of his qualities. I want the players to work hard and the pressing starts from the strikers. The players need to improve in that.

"One save from Maarten Stekelenburg was incredible in a key moment of the game."

"I was focussed on today's match but we are waiting for two or three new player and the board are working hard to bring them in. I don't talk about names. I hope we can sign two players next week."

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Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino: "The first half was difficult for us and we did not play well. Hugo Lloris got injured and that was a big impact on us. In the second half we played as we usually play.

“They scored early and they believed they could win the game. They were very motivated.

"Lloris has a hamstring injury and we need to assess tomorrow to see what happens.

"We tried to correct the problems we had in the first half. With another striker, the team felt comfortable. Vincent Janssen brought good energy on the team and he gives us a different option.

On transfers he added: "I have spoken that we may get one or two. We are very open, it is not easy to bring in players who can help us but we are trying."