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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

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

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker in attack 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 emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

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

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.