🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton 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 end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

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

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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