Van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender'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 the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

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

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.