🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

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

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.