This Slo start won’t burst Blue bubble

AS opponents go, they don’t come much less inspiring than Ruzomberok.

The Slovaks are not household names even in their own houses.

Yet every home seat at Goodison Park was sold out to underline the mood of optimism sweeping through the blue half of Merseyside.

It’s not just the return of prodigal son Wayne Rooney that has lifted Evertonians – they are excited by all of Ronald Koeman’s summer transfer dealings.

Like a sniper, he has picked off each of his targets one by one to sign almost a new side.

And £24million Dutchman Davy Klaassen (above) looked especially lively on his competitive debut.

Koeman isn’t finished yet because he wants midfield playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson, another striker – preferably Olivier Giroud – and a left-sided centrehalf.

The club’s plans for a new stadium are also progressing and, after years in the doldrums, there is genuine belief that Everton can challenge for a Champions League place.

Chuck in Liverpool’s transfer struggles, and Evertonians haven’t been as chipper since lifting the FA Cup in 1995.

But, and there is a but, Everton’s rivals have hardly stood still this summer – Manchester City have already spent twice as much, while Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have also splashed the cash.

And Blues still have to show they can cope without Romelu Lukaku.

They lacked a cutting edge against Ruzomberok, despite Rooney’s endeavours in the No.9 role.

In their defence, they have had only three pre-season games and this is the earliest competitive match they have ever played in a campaign.

But they will still need to improve greatly on this undercooked display if they are to maintain the feel-good factor among Evertonians.