🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home 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 set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour 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.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

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

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.