🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around 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 levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton remain 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

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

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

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

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.