ADAM Armstrong’s debut goal proved not enough for Saints as they were undone in the second half at Everton.

The £15million summer signing from Blackburn had put the visitors into the lead at half-time on Merseyside, with a cool finish on 22 minutes.

But the Toffees roared back in the second period with goals from Richarlison, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dominic Calvert-Lewin to seal a 3-1 victory.

The result extended Saints’ wait for a win on the opening day of a Premier League season, their most recent triumph coming back in 2013.

Boss Ralph Hasenhuttl sprung a few surprises in his team selection for the trip to Goodison Park, with teenager Tino Livramento getting the nod to start at right-back ahead of Kyle Walker-Peters.

There was also Saints competitive debuts for left-back Romain Perraud and new frontman Armstrong. Alex McCarthy was selected in goal ahead of Fraser Forster, who was named on the bench alongside the likes of Stuart Armstrong and Jan Bednarek.

Everton boss Rafa Benitez gave former Birmingham and Leicester winger Demarai Gray a start in the top-flight curtain-raiser, with the forward having signed from Bayer Leverkusen last month.

There was also a debut for former England winger Andros Townsend for the hosts.

And it was the Toffees who almost broke the deadlock within three minutes of the contest. After neat work from Gray and Calvert-Lewin, the ball was pulled back for midfielder Allan.

The Brazilian arrived late to the edge of the box but saw his low drive comfortably gathered by Saints’ stopper McCarthy.

Gray again caused Saints problems from the right wing. After exchanging passes with Townsend, his dangerous cross was glanced wide by Calvert-Lewin, who was under pressure in the six-yard box.

The visitors were then almost caught on the counter. After Armstrong’s cross just evaded Adams, a long ball forward found the run of Everton’s Richarlison.

Driving down the left, the Brazilian fizzed the ball across the six-yard box with Calvert Lewin unable to get the final touch.

But it took Armstrong just 22 minutes in Saints colours to get off the mark for the club as Hasenhuttl’s men pounced to take the lead.

Adams caught centre-half Michael Keane dithering in possession and slid in his strike partner, who kept his cool to slot into the top corner when one-on-one with Jordan Pickford.

Richarlison was then left frustrated after going to ground in the Saints box under the challenge of Livramento and Romeu – referee Andy Madley booked him for diving.

But the Brazilian was to make an impact on proceedings just after the break.

After Lucas Digne’s corner was only half-cleared by the hosts, the ball was recycled into Saints’ box by Townsend and Richarlison was alert to stab home from close range.

After a shaky start to the second period – Saints then looked to rally. Moussa Djenepo ran on to a classy reverse ball from Perraud, with the Malian’s effort blocked to safety. But the game’s pivotal moment came 13 minutes from time.

After substitute Alex Iwobi’s cushioned header back to Frenchman Doucoure – the midfielder spun away from his man and rifled the ball into the top corner to make it 2-1.

And Calvert-Lewin was on hand to rub salt into the wounds of Hasenhuttl’s men, as he headed in a third for the Blues following Richarlison’s cross to wrap up three points for the hosts.

Everton: Pickford, Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Digne, Gray (Mina, 85), Allan, Doucoure, Townsend (Iwobi, 70), Richarlison (Gordon, 89), Calvert-Lewin.

Unused subs: Kenny, Delph, Mina, Davies, Branthwaite, Broadhead, Begovic (g/k).

Booked: Richarlison.

Saints: McCarthy; Livramento, Stephens, Salisu, Perraud (Redmond, 83); Romeu (Diallo, 80), Ward-Prowse; Walcott (Tella, 80), Djenepo; Adams, A Armstrong.

Unused subs: Bednarek, Walker-Peters, Valery, S Armstrong, Elyounoussi, Forster (g/k).

Referee: Andy Madley.

VAR: Darren England.