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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the score 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 moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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