🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

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

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat 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 massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.