🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.