🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

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 end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

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

The new arrival was unable 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 end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.