🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.