🔗 Share this article

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

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

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

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

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

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

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.