🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.