🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing 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 final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record 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 time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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