🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

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

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

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

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland 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 next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.