🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

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

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

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

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.