🔗 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 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 the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

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

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

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

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.