🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.