🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.