🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

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

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.