Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

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

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger 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 division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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