🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable 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 levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose 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 replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

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

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.