🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

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

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

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

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.