🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.