James Rodriguez announced himself to an empty Goodison Park with a goal on his home debut as Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hat-trick ensured a comfortable 5-2 victory for Everton over 10-man West Brom.
The Colombian’s renowned deftness of touch and eye for goal from outside the area saw him fire home just before half-time, that landed a 10/1 winning tip in Sporting Life's Premier League preview, prompting a meltdown from the Baggies which saw Kieran Gibbs and manager Slaven Bilic sent off in the immediate aftermath.
It was difficult to understand what prompted the former England left-back to smack Rodriguez in the face as the bump he was given by the ex-Real Madrid playmaker was in no way aggressive.
Bilic has form for emotional outbursts but even though he must have known he could have little argument with referee Mike Dean, he nevertheless confronted the official at half-time and was also dismissed.
The Croat was probably still seething after seeing the offside flag against Calvert-Lewin’s clever back-heeled equaliser correctly overruled by VAR.
West Brom’s lack of discipline was staggering considering how much control they had shown over the opening half-hour, in which they had just 36 per cent possession – also hitting the post through Jake Livermore – but arguably the better of the game.
It meant Grady Diangana’s brilliant first Premier League goal, running from 20 yards inside his own half, was somewhat overshadowed.
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