🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

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

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

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

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.