🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

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

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.