🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out 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 set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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 Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.