🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.