When Everton and Tottenham shared an entertaining 1-1 draw on opening day, the home side were very much a team in transition. Manager Ronald Koeman had not been afraid to criticise his squad during preseason, as most of the players inherited from Roberto Martinez remained intact.
New signing Ashley Williams lacked fitness, £25 million winger Yannick Bolasie was still finalising his transfer and injury ruled out Romelu Lukaku and Seamus Coleman. The number of players departing on loan or permanently since Koeman's first competitive match is beyond double figures.
These limited options and perhaps a lack of faith in his players at the time saw Koeman boldly choose a three-man defence.