🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

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

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.