🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

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 end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

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

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

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record 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 space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

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

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.