🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, 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 video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.