🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward 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 next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.