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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable 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.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

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

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

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

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

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

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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