Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

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

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

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

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank 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 pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

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

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.