🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates 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 in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

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

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.