🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

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

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

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

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.