Tottenham’s aerial prowess under Thomas Frank brought Everton plummeting back to earth at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Spurs inflicted Everton’s first defeat at their new home courtesy of three headed goals, two from the outstanding Micky van de Ven, to rise to third in the Premier League and maintain their dominant form on the road.

The disconnect at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium stands in stark contrast to the ruthless efficiency of Frank’s team away from home. Van de Ven converted two corners before substitute Pape Matar Sarr banished any prospect of an Everton recovery with another close-range header in the 89th minute. Given the glaring absence of a quality striker in David Moyes’ squad, the prospect of an Everton comeback was always remote despite the probings of Iliman Ndiaye, James Garner, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish. It is now 13 points from a possible 15 for Frank’s side on their travels this season.

The contest was shaped by corners and Van de Ven’s domineering presence at both ends of the pitch. Everton matched Spurs for enterprising approach work but had no answer to the quality of the visitors’ set-piece delivery or their captain’s aerial strength.

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