🔗 Share this article

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

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.