🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

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

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.