🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback 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 levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat 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 Van de Ven to score.

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

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

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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