🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen 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 team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked 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 the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

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

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.