🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, 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 Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

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

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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