🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed 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 the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.