🔗 Share this article

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

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces 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 former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose 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 Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out 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 corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

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

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.