🔗 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 delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful 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 succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

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

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

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

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

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

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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