🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

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