🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.