🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.