🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official 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 team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes 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.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

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

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head 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 Newcastle.