🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck 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 Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

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

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.