Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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