🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

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

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.