🔗 Share this article

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

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

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

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.