🔗 Share this article

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

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around 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 levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.