🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

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

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

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

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

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.