🔗 Share this article

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

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

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

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

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional 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 shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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