🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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