🔗 Share this article

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

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham 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 an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday'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 summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.