🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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