🔗 Share this article

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

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

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

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive 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: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.