Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

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

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.