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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

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

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

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

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.