🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

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

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

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

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