🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham 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 pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

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

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

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

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust 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 chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.