🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

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

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland 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 match against Newcastle.