Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance 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 shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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