🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field

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

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.