Wayne Rooney scored on his Premier League return to Everton as they beat Stoke 1-0



It was a magical return to his boyhood club as Rooney headed home the winning goal in the added minute of injury time in the first half, and sealed the three points for the hosts.
The Toffees had drawn their last four opening day matches but managed to hold out for the victory against a Stoke side who had very few clear-cut chances, with Xherdan Shaqiri almost snatching a draw late on, only to be denied by a superb Jordan Pickford save.

The first half saw scoring efforts at a premium, although Mame Biram Diouf forced Pickford into a good stop after 10 minutes as the goalkeeper pushed the Stoke forward's shot over the crossbar at his near post.

Wayne Rooney made his second Premier League debut for Everton alongside Sandro Ramirez. Fellow new signing Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane and Davy Klaassen also started. Darren Fletcher and Kurt Zouma started for Stoke while Eric Choupo-Moting and Josh Tymon were on the bench. Joe Allen also started after reported transfer interest from Swansea.

Everton are next in action against Hajduk Split on Thursday in a Europa League qualifier at Goodison Park before they make the trip to Man City on Monday Night Football for their second Premier League match on August 21.

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