Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

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

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end 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 recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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