🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

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

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.