🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.