Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated 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 Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.