🔗 Share this article

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

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground 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 the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.