🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground 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 on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of the field

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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