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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

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 turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.