🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

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

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.