🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham 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 new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike 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 score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

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

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.