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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton 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 conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague 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 new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

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

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

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