🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger 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 Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.