🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.