🔗 Share this article

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

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck 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 the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

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

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison 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.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up 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 equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.