🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees 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 conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces 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 ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.