🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check 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 elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager chose 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 Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

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

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

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

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.