🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward 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 powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

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

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

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

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.