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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward 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 opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.