Ronald Koeman’s first Premier League encounter as Everton manager ended in a draw as Tottenham snatched a second-half equaliser.

A beguiling free kick from Ross Barkley had given the Blues an early lead at Goodison Park in a game which the hosts began to dominate comfortably.

But Erik Lamela’s headed goal drew the Londoners level before the hour mark to deny Koeman a flying start to life on Merseyside.

Here were the main talking points from the Grand Old Lady’s curtain-raiser…

’70 per cent’ Blues still show progress

Less than full strength was how Ronald Koeman described Everton’s fitness ahead of the start to their new Premier League campaign.

But even at what he considered to be ’70 per cent’ was a vast upgrade on the Blues’ offerings under the Dutchman’s predecessor Roberto Martinez last season.

Koeman’s players looked like the Everton of old; relentless, hungry and dominant for the majority of a first half against Tottenham that was theirs for the taking.

The staggered intensity of Mauricio Pochettino’s side almost got the better of the hosts, leaving them appearing ragged towards the end but even at a restricted capability, the shoots of optimism and progress were clear for all to see.

Barkley is rebooted and reborn

Hope springs eternal, or at least it does for Ross Barkley.

The Wavertree-born midfielder must be like a kid at Christmas whenever the new Premier League season rolls around, judging by his opening day track record.

Even with a new number on the back of his shirt, Barkley turned to a familiar repertoire by kicking off Everton’s third campaign in four years with the club’s first goal.

Little was expected from a player who was shunned by England during their catastrophic Euro 2016 journey earlier this summer but Koeman’s influence appears to have already worn off on the 22-year-old.

He appeared more composed in possession and more driven without it; signs that will have pleased Evertonians yearning for one of their own to shine again.

Stekelenburg stakes a claim

Joel Robles may remain in possession of Goodison’s no.1 jersey for now but Maarten Stekelenburg has offered Koeman a fresh option in his goalkeeping plans.

The one-time Ajax and Fulham stopper was originally drafted in to challenge whoever is elected as Everton’s first-choice but could comfortably stake a claim himself.

Only Erik Lamela’s header on the hour mark beat Stekelenburg as he went on to repel numerous other attempts, notably from the Argentine and Vincent Janssen.

Clearly one swallow does not make a summer, particularly with Everton still targeting an established goalkeeper, but the 33-year-old offers food for thought.

Gueye adds fresh bite to midfield

Barkley invariably will steal the headlines but the role of Idrissa Gueye in Everton’s new midfield axis continues to prove a source of promise.

Linking up with another former Aston Villa man in Gareth Barry, the Senegal international more than held his own against Tottenham’s star-studded line-up.

Christian Eriksen, in particular, will not look back on his most recent trip to Merseyside with much fondness after Gueye repeatedly and comfortably saw him off on the edge of the penalty area.

That added bite, complimenting Barry’s workmanlike approach, is set to be an invaluable asset in the coming months if Everton plan to surpass expectations.