🔗 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 the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered 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 replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal 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 the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

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

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.