🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.