🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches 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 Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put 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 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 chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score 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 north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

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

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

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

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.