Koeman's 1st EPL game with Everton ends 1-1 vs Spurs

Published On: August 13, 2016 10:19 PM NPT By: Associated Press

LIVERPOOL, England, Aug 13: Ronald Koeman's first Premier League game in charge of Everton ended in a 1-1 draw on Saturday against Tottenham.

Everton went ahead in the fifth minute at Goodison Park when Ross Barkley's free kick, which he may have meant as a cross, bounced straight in.

Koeman, who took over from Roberto Martinez in June, had said his players were only at 70 percent of the fitness he wanted, but he will be encouraged by their organized performance for the rest of the first half.

Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham woke up in the second half and drew level in the 59th, courtesy of Erik Lamela's header.

Tottenham came close to victory and it took two superb late saves by Maarten Stekelenburg as he denied substitute Vincent Janssen and Lamela.