🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading 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 - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

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

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

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

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.