🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

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

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

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

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head 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 late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.