🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

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

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.