Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute 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 feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.