🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday'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 golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.