🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

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

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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