🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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