🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.