🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable 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 offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.