Arouna Kone’s late equaliser earned Everton a point at home to Premier League newcomers Watford.  Mexican Miguel Layun fired Watford ahead on the half-volley in the first half after Everton failed to clear.

Substitute Arouna Kone’s late equaliser earned Everton a 2-2 draw and spoiled Watford’s hopes of a fairytale win on their return to the Premier League at Goodison Park.

When referee Mike Jones blew the half time whistle, the booing inside Goodison Park was so thunderous that the stadium’s public address system was activated to full blast immediately; the noise on the terraces being masked by One Direction, a noise of a very different kind.

Watford are up and running in the Premier League after a high-intensity display of commitment and organisation saw them twice lead at Everton only to be pegged back on both occasions in a stirring 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.

The old “will take time to gel” thing drifts from being a source of concern to a reason to be excited in the wake of the opening fixture. Because there were deficiencies, several of them actually, and yet we went and got a result despite them in a challenging away game, twice taking the lead in the process. 

There was some disappointment among some Watford fans that we had twice surrendered the lead. Others, me included, felt that we would have bitten hands off if offered a draw at the start of the game. We met a number of Toffees fans on our journey back to the city centre who were very complimentary about our performance and scathing of theirs. Most Watford fans were impressed with our strong showing and the quality of our new signings. Quique has promised us a surprise in each game. I am not sure that will be good for my blood pressure or my sanity, but I am intrigued to see how he will set up at home. So far, so good and I am really looking forward to the rest of the season.