🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice 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 ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

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

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.