🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

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

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

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men 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 next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.