🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

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

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.