Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Run at New Home Ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

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

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.