🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games 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 recently opened stadium 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 pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

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

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

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