🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front 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 proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

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

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.