🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged 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 five previous fixtures 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 Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

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

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

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

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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