🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice 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 - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.