🔗 Share this article

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

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home 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, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

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

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.