🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground 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 Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

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

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

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

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.