🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

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 Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.