🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour 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 reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-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.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.