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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

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

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.