🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

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

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.