🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

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

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.