🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.