The hosts dominated possession during the opening stages as Everton struggled to put their stamp on the game. Southampton came close to taking the lead on 14 minutes, but Dusan Tadic was denied by a heroic block from Phil Jagielka.

Graziano Pelle, who was lively throughout the opening half, should have done better when he met Tadic's cross soon after, though the Italian could only head off target.

Southampton's Shane Long battles with John Stones of Everton on August 15, 2015 © Getty Images

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard was called into action twice in quick succession as Southampton cranked up the pressure, with the American denying Matt Targett and Sadio Mane.

Despite the home side dictating play, it was the visitors who made the breakthrough on 22 minutes thanks to Romelu Lukaku, who headed in off the crossbar following a quick counter-attack that involved Arouna Kone.

Romelu Lukaku heads in Everton's opener against Southampton on August 15, 2015 © Getty Images

The Toffees came close to doubling their advantage minutes later when James McCarthy's effort was beaten away at the near post by Maarten Stekelenburg.

With Everton now in control, Roberto Martinez's men should have made it 2-0 on 29 minutes. Ross Barkley's initial shot was saved by Stekelenburg after another break from the away side before Tom Cleverley put the rebound wide.

Southampton regained their composure towards the end of the half as they went in search of an equaliser, but it was the Toffees who landed a significant blow on the stroke of half time when Lukaku swept the ball into the bottom corner after being picked out by Barkley.