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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

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

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.