🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

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

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.