🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.