🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches 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 the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

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

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.