🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

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

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

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

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.