Manchester United have agreed to a 75 million pound ($97 million) deal for Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, Reuters reports, citing&nbsp;a source close to the negotiations.

United is said to have seen Lukaku as their number one target for next season, according to the same source.

The move, which is not connected to any talks of a Wayne Rooney deal in the opposite direction, is expected to be formally announced within the next 36 hours.

This closes the door on any interest United may have had in pursuing Real Madrid&#39;s Alvaro Morata.&nbsp;&quot;Chelsea&#39;s interest in Lukaku allowed United to fly under the radar on this,&quot; the source said. &quot;But he has been the club&#39;s number one target.&quot;

There had been much speculation that the Belgian international would return to Chelsea, which he joined in 2011.

Last season Lukaku had the distinction of becoming the first Everton played since Latchford to score 25 goals in back to back seasons, in all comeptitions.

The Belgian was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the first time, and was also included in the six player shortlists for the PFA Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year awards.

The deal is expected to be formally announced within the next 36 hours

Manchester United have agreed to a 75 million pound ($97 million) deal for Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, Reuters reports, citing a source close to the negotiations. United is said to have seen Lukaku as their number one target for next season, according to the same source. The move, which is not connected to any talks of a Wayne Rooney deal in the opposite direction, is expected to be formally announced within the next 36 hours. This closes the door on any interest United may have had in pursuing Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata. "Chelsea's interest in Lukaku allowed United to fly under the radar on this," the source said. "But he has been the club's number one target." There had been much speculation that the Belgian international would return to Chelsea, which he joined in 2011. Last season Lukaku had the distinction of becoming the first Everton played since Latchford to score 25 goals in back to back seasons, in all comeptitions. The Belgian was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the first time, and was also included in the six player shortlists for the PFA Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year awards.

Man United to acquire Everton striker Lukaku for 75 million pounds

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said an &quot;absolutely horrendous&quot; atmosphere had been partly responsible for his club&#39;s failure to secure a Champions League place for the first time in 20 years.

Speaking after a 3-1 victory over Everton on the final day of the Premier League season, Wenger accepted that uncertainty over his future as manager, which has divided fans, had polluted the air at the Emirates Stadium.

He said there were other explanatory factors behind the club&#39;s difficulties, but refused to go into greater detail.

&quot;Overall I believe that we played since January in a very difficult environment for different reasons,&quot; Wenger told reporters at the Emirates on Sunday.

&quot;Some obviously that you know about and that is very difficult for the group of players to cope with that. Some other reasons, where we will talk about another day.

&quot;But the psychological environment for the group of players was absolutely horrendous. I am very proud of what they have done, the way they responded and finished the season.&quot;

He added: &quot;It has been difficult. Certainly my personal situation has contributed to that.&quot;

Wenger said earlier this year that he would make an announcement about his future before the end of the season, but he has repeatedly ducked opportunities to reveal his intentions.

Asked why his personal situation had not been resolved, he replied: &quot;I don&#39;t know.&quot;

Pressed as to when exactly he felt the uncertainty about his future had affected his players, he said: &quot;It&#39;s a good question. I cannot give you the answer today. I will give you an answer one day. But not today.&quot;

The 67-year-old would only say his future would be sorted out &quot;soon&quot;.

With Arsenal having finished fifth in the league, attention now turns to Saturday&#39;s FA Cup final against Chelsea, when victory would give Wenger a record seventh success in the competition.

But he will be missing Laurent Koscielny after the French centre-back was sent off for a rash challenge on Enner Valencia and also expects to be without Gabriel, who was stretchered off with a knee injury.

Wenger defends Kroenke

Arsenal&#39;s 10 men prevailed courtesy of goals from Hector Bellerin, Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey, with Romelu Lukaku replying from the penalty spot.

Wenger suggested his decision not to take part in the post-match lap of appreciation had been influenced by fears of a negative reaction from fans.

&quot;The players, they have been disturbed enough,&quot; he said.

&quot;I was out there, to show respect, but I wanted the players to have the quiet lap of honour they deserved.&quot;

Wenger also said Arsenal&#39;s supporters&#39; protests against shareholder Stan Kroenke -- who was loudly and repeatedly told to &quot;get out of our club&quot;, were misplaced.

&quot;I think you respect everybody in life. I respect Stan Kroenke a lot,&quot; Wenger said.

&quot;He is not at fault if we did not reach the Champions League tonight. It is the technical department who is responsible for that. I don&#39;t see what he has to do with that.&quot;

Everton playmaker Ross Barkley, who is stalling over a new contract, came off the bench to replace Tom Davies as part of a 26th-minute reshuffle by visiting manager Ronald Koeman.

Koeman said his decision to leave Barkley out had nothing to do with his contract situation, but said he expected to be able to make an announcement about the England midfielder&#39;s future imminently.

&quot;I will speak to the board tomorrow and we will make a statement about that,&quot; said the Dutchman, whose side finished seventh and will enter the Europa League next season.

On his ambitions for the close-season transfer window, Koeman said: &quot;First of all we need more numbers in to be prepared for a long, tough season with different competitions.

&quot;And I think we need more aggression in the team. The big point is to get in players who will have more productivity. That&#39;s what we try to find and that&#39;s not easy.&quot;

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

He accepted uncertainty over his future as manager had polluted the air at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said an "absolutely horrendous" atmosphere had been partly responsible for his club's failure to secure a Champions League place for the first time in 20 years. Speaking after a 3-1 victory over Everton on the final day of the Premier League season, Wenger accepted that uncertainty over his future as manager, which has divided fans, had polluted the air at the Emirates Stadium. He said there were other explanatory factors behind the club's difficulties, but refused to go into greater detail. "Overall I believe that we played since January in a very difficult environment for different reasons," Wenger told reporters at the Emirates on Sunday. "Some obviously that you know about and that is very difficult for the group of players to cope with that. Some other reasons, where we will talk about another day. "But the psychological environment for the group of players was absolutely horrendous. I am very proud of what they have done, the way they responded and finished the season." He added: "It has been difficult. Certainly my personal situation has contributed to that." Wenger said earlier this year that he would make an announcement about his future before the end of the season, but he has repeatedly ducked opportunities to reveal his intentions. Asked why his personal situation had not been resolved, he replied: "I don't know." Pressed as to when exactly he felt the uncertainty about his future had affected his players, he said: "It's a good question. I cannot give you the answer today. I will give you an answer one day. But not today." The 67-year-old would only say his future would be sorted out "soon". With Arsenal having finished fifth in the league, attention now turns to Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea, when victory would give Wenger a record seventh success in the competition. But he will be missing Laurent Koscielny after the French centre-back was sent off for a rash challenge on Enner Valencia and also expects to be without Gabriel, who was stretchered off with a knee injury. Wenger defends Kroenke Arsenal's 10 men prevailed courtesy of goals from Hector Bellerin, Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey, with Romelu Lukaku replying from the penalty spot. Wenger suggested his decision not to take part in the post-match lap of appreciation had been influenced by fears of a negative reaction from fans. "The players, they have been disturbed enough," he said. "I was out there, to show respect, but I wanted the players to have the quiet lap of honour they deserved." Wenger also said Arsenal's supporters' protests against shareholder Stan Kroenke -- who was loudly and repeatedly told to "get out of our club", were misplaced. "I think you respect everybody in life. I respect Stan Kroenke a lot," Wenger said. "He is not at fault if we did not reach the Champions League tonight. It is the technical department who is responsible for that. I don't see what he has to do with that." Everton playmaker Ross Barkley, who is stalling over a new contract, came off the bench to replace Tom Davies as part of a 26th-minute reshuffle by visiting manager Ronald Koeman. Koeman said his decision to leave Barkley out had nothing to do with his contract situation, but said he expected to be able to make an announcement about the England midfielder's future imminently. "I will speak to the board tomorrow and we will make a statement about that," said the Dutchman, whose side finished seventh and will enter the Europa League next season. On his ambitions for the close-season transfer window, Koeman said: "First of all we need more numbers in to be prepared for a long, tough season with different competitions. "And I think we need more aggression in the team. The big point is to get in players who will have more productivity. That's what we try to find and that's not easy." (AFP)

Arsenal hurt by 'horrendous' atmosphere: Wenger

Chelsea took a significant step towards the Premier League title on Sunday with victory at Everton but Tottenham ensured the champagne will stay on ice for a bit longer with an impressive 2-0 win over Arsenal.

As well as the engrossing fight for the title the battle for the two remaining Champions League places has become a real dogfight -- Arsenal missing a chance to make up ground on the two Manchester clubs, who both stumbled on Sunday against relegation candidates.

Second-half goals by Dele Alli and Harry Kane, from the penalty spot, sealed the three points and ensured that Spurs will finish above their North London rivals Arsenal for the first time in 22 years.

But whether Spurs will ever hunt down relentless Chelsea is another matter, with just four games left and Chelsea still four points clear, and with an easier run-in.

&quot;I am so pleased. It was a very important game and it was a complete performance,&quot; Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino told the BBC.

&quot;The race for the title is down to four points and we will see what will happen.

&quot;To be above Arsenal for the first time in 22 years is fantastic for our fans. it is fantastic for us too, but we want to win the title.&quot;

A superb second-half strike by Pedro and late goals from Gary Cahill and Willian ended Everton&#39;s run of eight successive home wins and had piled the pressure on Spurs, who were playing afterwards.

Chelsea took time to settle but once Pedro scored their opener -- his first goal in nine matches -- the floodgates opened and they ran out 3-0 winners.

&quot;This gives us lots of confidence,&quot; manager Antonio Conte told Sky Sports. &quot;Now it is important to prepare the final rush.

&quot;If in the next game against Middlesbrough you don&#39;t win, you lose this victory. We must look step by step.&quot;Cahill&#39;s eighth goal of the season and Willian&#39;s beautifully worked third inflicted only Everton&#39;s second home defeat of the season.

&quot;It was convincing but we had to work hard for it,&quot; Cahill told Sky Sports, sensing this might be the win that delivers the title in Conte&#39;s first season at Chelsea.

&quot;Pedro&#39;s goal was special, at times you need a bit of class to open up a team, that&#39;s what he did today. I&#39;m buzzing with that, it&#39;s a huge result for us.&quot;

City had to come from behind twice to draw 2-2 at Middlesbrough and United drew 1-1 at home to Swansea on a bad day for the Manchester giants.

City relied on 20-year-old striker Gabriel Jesus to secure them a point in the final five minutes of their game against a Boro side scenting back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time since May 2008.

&quot;We controlled the game and missed so many chances,&quot; Jesus told Premier League Productions.

&quot;Today&#39;s result is disappointing but at least we have a point.&quot;

Arsenal&#39;s defeat in the last North London derby at White Hart Lane leaves manager Arsene Wenger&#39;s proud record of qualifying for the Champions League in real trouble.

They are sixth, five points behind United and six behind City in fourth, although the Londoners have a game in hand on both.

Only the top four get into the Champions League.

Liverpool, the other team in the mix, travel to Watford on Monday looking to cement third spot.Wenger -- whose future at Arsenal is mired in doubt -- gave credit to Spurs for deserving to beat them but was unimpressed by the fact that the Gunners would finish below their rivals for the first time in his long tenure.

&quot;Mathematically it has to happen once,&quot; Wenger told Sky Sports.

&quot;We are not happy with it but we don&#39;t compare ourselves to Spurs, we compare ourselves to where we want to be.&quot; 
&nbsp; 
A sublime free-kick by Icelandic international Gylfi Sigurdsson gained Swansea a deserved point against United at Old Trafford and dented Jose Mourinho`s hopes of breaking into the top four.

Sigurdsson&#39;s 10th goal of the season, but first in 11 matches, cancelled out veteran Wayne Rooney&#39;s contentious penalty in time added on in the first half when Marcus Rashford made the most out of minimal contact with Swans goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP) 
&nbsp;

The engrossing fight for the title the battle for the two remaining Champions League places has become a real dogfight

Chelsea took a significant step towards the Premier League title on Sunday with victory at Everton but Tottenham ensured the champagne will stay on ice for a bit longer with an impressive 2-0 win over Arsenal. As well as the engrossing fight for the title the battle for the two remaining Champions League places has become a real dogfight -- Arsenal missing a chance to make up ground on the two Manchester clubs, who both stumbled on Sunday against relegation candidates. Second-half goals by Dele Alli and Harry Kane, from the penalty spot, sealed the three points and ensured that Spurs will finish above their North London rivals Arsenal for the first time in 22 years. But whether Spurs will ever hunt down relentless Chelsea is another matter, with just four games left and Chelsea still four points clear, and with an easier run-in. "I am so pleased. It was a very important game and it was a complete performance," Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino told the BBC. "The race for the title is down to four points and we will see what will happen. "To be above Arsenal for the first time in 22 years is fantastic for our fans. it is fantastic for us too, but we want to win the title." A superb second-half strike by Pedro and late goals from Gary Cahill and Willian ended Everton's run of eight successive home wins and had piled the pressure on Spurs, who were playing afterwards. Chelsea took time to settle but once Pedro scored their opener -- his first goal in nine matches -- the floodgates opened and they ran out 3-0 winners. "This gives us lots of confidence," manager Antonio Conte told Sky Sports. "Now it is important to prepare the final rush. "If in the next game against Middlesbrough you don't win, you lose this victory. We must look step by step."Cahill's eighth goal of the season and Willian's beautifully worked third inflicted only Everton's second home defeat of the season. "It was convincing but we had to work hard for it," Cahill told Sky Sports, sensing this might be the win that delivers the title in Conte's first season at Chelsea. "Pedro's goal was special, at times you need a bit of class to open up a team, that's what he did today. I'm buzzing with that, it's a huge result for us." City had to come from behind twice to draw 2-2 at Middlesbrough and United drew 1-1 at home to Swansea on a bad day for the Manchester giants. City relied on 20-year-old striker Gabriel Jesus to secure them a point in the final five minutes of their game against a Boro side scenting back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time since May 2008. "We controlled the game and missed so many chances," Jesus told Premier League Productions. "Today's result is disappointing but at least we have a point." Arsenal's defeat in the last North London derby at White Hart Lane leaves manager Arsene Wenger's proud record of qualifying for the Champions League in real trouble. They are sixth, five points behind United and six behind City in fourth, although the Londoners have a game in hand on both. Only the top four get into the Champions League. Liverpool, the other team in the mix, travel to Watford on Monday looking to cement third spot.Wenger -- whose future at Arsenal is mired in doubt -- gave credit to Spurs for deserving to beat them but was unimpressed by the fact that the Gunners would finish below their rivals for the first time in his long tenure. "Mathematically it has to happen once," Wenger told Sky Sports. "We are not happy with it but we don't compare ourselves to Spurs, we compare ourselves to where we want to be." A sublime free-kick by Icelandic international Gylfi Sigurdsson gained Swansea a deserved point against United at Old Trafford and dented Jose Mourinho`s hopes of breaking into the top four. Sigurdsson's 10th goal of the season, but first in 11 matches, cancelled out veteran Wayne Rooney's contentious penalty in time added on in the first half when Marcus Rashford made the most out of minimal contact with Swans goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. (AFP)

Premier League round-up: Spurs keep pressure on Chelsea, Manchester misery

Leicester City host Everton on Monday hoping inspired words from the players can transform a season, not just a match.

The week has revealed how angry exchanges in the dressing room at Stoke City last Saturday helped inspire a second half performance that saw them fight back from 2-0 down with 10 men to claim a 2-2 draw.

Now the Premier League champions hope those irate words, and the subsequent performance, can turn around a season that has left them flirting dangerously with the relegation scrap -- only three points separate them from third from bottom Sunderland.

Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel said: &ldquo;Every now and then, if something needs to be said, I&rsquo;ll happily say it.

&ldquo;I was very emotional and very irate at the time and had some things that I wanted to get off my chest.

&ldquo;I wasn&rsquo;t the only one -&ndash; a lot of people spoke. We&#39;ve got a dressing room with a lot of leaders in there so we had a good chat and decided that this wasn&rsquo;t the way the game was going to go.&rdquo;

Manager Claudio Ranieri said he welcomed the players speaking frankly.

&ldquo;It is important that everybody reacts,&quot; said Ranieri.

&quot;Sometimes players speak, sometimes there are leaders on the pitch and it&rsquo;s important they are linked very well together.&quot;

Ranieri added it could prove to be the pivotal moment of their campaign.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Yes, it could be our turning point but we have to show it in the next three games,&quot; said Ranieri.

&ldquo;In the dressing room there was a fantastic atmosphere.

&ldquo;The players believed they could get back and they were right.

&ldquo;You can&rsquo;t repeat that because there are some moments that are very particular moments that you can&rsquo;t recreate, but of course the players must understand that the next games are very important for us.

&ldquo;Always I encourage my players to speak.&rdquo;

Ranieri will have to cope, however, without striker Jamie Vardy, who is suspended for three games after being sent off against Stoke, whilst defenders Robert Huth and Christian Fuchs will also serve one-match bans against Everton.

And midfielder Danny Drinkwater is still a doubt with a calf injury.

&#39;Ross needs to improve&#39;&nbsp;

Everton manager Ronald Koeman admits he is uncertain whether Ross Barkley will go on to fulfil his undoubted potential.

Barkley has been tipped for greatness with club and country ever since he burst on to the scene as a raw teenager five years ago.

The midfielder&rsquo;s attributes as a player have seen him favourably compared to the likes of Paul Gascoigne and Michael Ballack.

But Barkley -- considered fortunate not to be sent off in the Merseyside Derby last Monday for a brutal foul on Jordan Henderson -- has suffered a dip in form this season which has seen him lose his place in the England squad and be dropped to the bench by Koeman.

The Dutchman offered a tentative reply when asked if there was a concern Barkley might never scale the heights for which he seemed destined.

&quot;I am not sure, I am not sure,&rdquo; Koeman said.

&ldquo;Ross needs to improve to be the player that maybe everyone expected when he was 18 or 19.

&ldquo;I had the same stories in Holland with players who, when they were 16 or 17, they were too good in the academy.

&ldquo;They didn&#39;t really have competition but because they were stronger or they were a better player than the rest.

&ldquo;But then they step up a level and everyone is strong, everybody is a good player, and still you need to make a difference. And that is more difficult.&rdquo;

(AFP)

Angry exchanges in the dressing room at Stoke City last Saturday inspired Leicester to a draw, with only 10 men, after being 2-0 down

Leicester City host Everton on Monday hoping inspired words from the players can transform a season, not just a match. The week has revealed how angry exchanges in the dressing room at Stoke City last Saturday helped inspire a second half performance that saw them fight back from 2-0 down with 10 men to claim a 2-2 draw. Now the Premier League champions hope those irate words, and the subsequent performance, can turn around a season that has left them flirting dangerously with the relegation scrap -- only three points separate them from third from bottom Sunderland. Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel said: “Every now and then, if something needs to be said, I’ll happily say it. “I was very emotional and very irate at the time and had some things that I wanted to get off my chest. “I wasn’t the only one -– a lot of people spoke. We've got a dressing room with a lot of leaders in there so we had a good chat and decided that this wasn’t the way the game was going to go.” Manager Claudio Ranieri said he welcomed the players speaking frankly. “It is important that everybody reacts," said Ranieri. "Sometimes players speak, sometimes there are leaders on the pitch and it’s important they are linked very well together." Ranieri added it could prove to be the pivotal moment of their campaign. “Yes, it could be our turning point but we have to show it in the next three games," said Ranieri. “In the dressing room there was a fantastic atmosphere. “The players believed they could get back and they were right. “You can’t repeat that because there are some moments that are very particular moments that you can’t recreate, but of course the players must understand that the next games are very important for us. “Always I encourage my players to speak.” Ranieri will have to cope, however, without striker Jamie Vardy, who is suspended for three games after being sent off against Stoke, whilst defenders Robert Huth and Christian Fuchs will also serve one-match bans against Everton. And midfielder Danny Drinkwater is still a doubt with a calf injury. 'Ross needs to improve' Everton manager Ronald Koeman admits he is uncertain whether Ross Barkley will go on to fulfil his undoubted potential. Barkley has been tipped for greatness with club and country ever since he burst on to the scene as a raw teenager five years ago. The midfielder’s attributes as a player have seen him favourably compared to the likes of Paul Gascoigne and Michael Ballack. But Barkley -- considered fortunate not to be sent off in the Merseyside Derby last Monday for a brutal foul on Jordan Henderson -- has suffered a dip in form this season which has seen him lose his place in the England squad and be dropped to the bench by Koeman. The Dutchman offered a tentative reply when asked if there was a concern Barkley might never scale the heights for which he seemed destined. "I am not sure, I am not sure,” Koeman said. “Ross needs to improve to be the player that maybe everyone expected when he was 18 or 19. “I had the same stories in Holland with players who, when they were 16 or 17, they were too good in the academy. “They didn't really have competition but because they were stronger or they were a better player than the rest. “But then they step up a level and everyone is strong, everybody is a good player, and still you need to make a difference. And that is more difficult.” (AFP)

What got ailing Leicester going? Anger

Erik Lamela&#39;s second-half header rescued a 1-1 draw for Tottenham Hotspur and denied new Everton manager Ronald Koeman a winning start at Goodison Park today. 
 
Lamela equalised in the 59th minute after Everton had claimed a deserved lead through Ross Barkley&#39;s early goal. 
 
Everton had the better of the first half but Mauricio Pochettino&#39;s side came back well after the interval and Argentine midfielder Lamela ensured their pressure paid off. 
 
Only two fine saves late on from debutant Everton goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg denied Spurs an opening day victory as the north Londoners look to emulate last season&#39;s title challenge. 
 
Everton went ahead in just the fifth minute. 
 
Tottenham&#39;s Kenya midfielder Victor Wanyama, signed from Southampton in the close-season, was penalised as he tripped Kevin Mirallas to halt the Belgian&#39;s progress towards goal. 
 
Barkley delivered a free-kick that eluded everyone, including Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris, who delayed his dive anticipating a touch from an Everton head and watched the ball nestle inside his left-hand post. 
 
The goal brought the game to life and Everton might have doubled their lead when makeshift centre forward Gerard Deulofeu skipped past two challenges but saw his shot from the edge of the Spurs box held low down by Lloris. 
 
Everton went close again on 15 minutes when Barkley lofted a free-kick into the penalty area and a looping header by Phil Jagielka forced a scrambling Lloris to push the ball over his crossbar. 
 
The hosts continued to dominate and threatened once more when Deulofeu linked up neatly with Mirallas on 21 minutes but Lloris made a comfortable save at his near post. 
 
Crucial interventions 
 
Stekelenburg had been a spectator early on but the Dutchman displayed solid handling on 28 minutes to hold a Christian Eriksen shot after a rare moment of promise from the visitors. 
 
And there was a further blow for Tottenham 10 minutes before half-time when captain Lloris was forced off by a hamstring injury and replaced by Michel Vorm. 
 
Tottenham began to escape their half more frequently as half-time approached, but they were unable to force Stekelenburg into action. 
 
The hosts ought to have doubled their lead in first-half stoppage-time, when Deulofeu seized on a poor backpass from Danny Rose and raced clear of Jan Vertonghen, but was denied by a smart save from Vorm. 
 
Everton started the second half on the front foot and Tottenham&#39;s Eric Dier had to make two crucial interventions, first to block Deulofeu&#39;s path to goal with a sliding tackle and then to head the resulting corner over his own crossbar. 
 
Pochettino introduced pre-season signing Vincent Janssen to the fray 13 minutes into the second half and the striker created an opening immediately when he drifted out wide, collected possession and crossed for Dele Alli. 
 
But the England midfielder curled a shot well wide from the edge of the area. 
 
There was no stopping Spurs just before the hour-mark, however, as Kyle Walker found room on the right and Lamela got the better of Everton debutant Mason Holgate to head past a helpless Stekelenburg. 
 
That goal rocked Everton, who were forced back for a spell, but they caused a moment of concern for Tottenham when the impressive Idrissa Gueye exchanged passes with substitute Arouna Kone but had his progress halted by Toby Alderweireld. 
 
However, with 10 minutes remaining Everton needed a superb save from Stekelenburg to prevent the visitors taking the lead. 
 
A shot from Rose was blocked by James McCarthy but fell for Janssen, whose crisp strike was clawed away one-handed by his fellow Dutchman at full stretch. 
 
And the keeper made another fine stop moments later to divert a Lamela shot over the crossbar after it deflected off Holgate. 
 
(AFP)

Lamela equalised in the 59th minute after Everton had claimed a deserved lead through Ross Barkley's early goal

Erik Lamela's second-half header rescued a 1-1 draw for Tottenham Hotspur and denied new Everton manager Ronald Koeman a winning start at Goodison Park today. Lamela equalised in the 59th minute after Everton had claimed a deserved lead through Ross Barkley's early goal. Everton had the better of the first half but Mauricio Pochettino's side came back well after the interval and Argentine midfielder Lamela ensured their pressure paid off. Only two fine saves late on from debutant Everton goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg denied Spurs an opening day victory as the north Londoners look to emulate last season's title challenge. Everton went ahead in just the fifth minute. Tottenham's Kenya midfielder Victor Wanyama, signed from Southampton in the close-season, was penalised as he tripped Kevin Mirallas to halt the Belgian's progress towards goal. Barkley delivered a free-kick that eluded everyone, including Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris, who delayed his dive anticipating a touch from an Everton head and watched the ball nestle inside his left-hand post. The goal brought the game to life and Everton might have doubled their lead when makeshift centre forward Gerard Deulofeu skipped past two challenges but saw his shot from the edge of the Spurs box held low down by Lloris. Everton went close again on 15 minutes when Barkley lofted a free-kick into the penalty area and a looping header by Phil Jagielka forced a scrambling Lloris to push the ball over his crossbar. The hosts continued to dominate and threatened once more when Deulofeu linked up neatly with Mirallas on 21 minutes but Lloris made a comfortable save at his near post. Crucial interventions Stekelenburg had been a spectator early on but the Dutchman displayed solid handling on 28 minutes to hold a Christian Eriksen shot after a rare moment of promise from the visitors. And there was a further blow for Tottenham 10 minutes before half-time when captain Lloris was forced off by a hamstring injury and replaced by Michel Vorm. Tottenham began to escape their half more frequently as half-time approached, but they were unable to force Stekelenburg into action. The hosts ought to have doubled their lead in first-half stoppage-time, when Deulofeu seized on a poor backpass from Danny Rose and raced clear of Jan Vertonghen, but was denied by a smart save from Vorm. Everton started the second half on the front foot and Tottenham's Eric Dier had to make two crucial interventions, first to block Deulofeu's path to goal with a sliding tackle and then to head the resulting corner over his own crossbar. Pochettino introduced pre-season signing Vincent Janssen to the fray 13 minutes into the second half and the striker created an opening immediately when he drifted out wide, collected possession and crossed for Dele Alli. But the England midfielder curled a shot well wide from the edge of the area. There was no stopping Spurs just before the hour-mark, however, as Kyle Walker found room on the right and Lamela got the better of Everton debutant Mason Holgate to head past a helpless Stekelenburg. That goal rocked Everton, who were forced back for a spell, but they caused a moment of concern for Tottenham when the impressive Idrissa Gueye exchanged passes with substitute Arouna Kone but had his progress halted by Toby Alderweireld. However, with 10 minutes remaining Everton needed a superb save from Stekelenburg to prevent the visitors taking the lead. A shot from Rose was blocked by James McCarthy but fell for Janssen, whose crisp strike was clawed away one-handed by his fellow Dutchman at full stretch. And the keeper made another fine stop moments later to divert a Lamela shot over the crossbar after it deflected off Holgate. (AFP)

Premier League: Spurs hold Everton to 1-1 draw

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