🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

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 St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.