🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

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

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.