🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss 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 more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.