🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.