🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees 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 conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.