🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out 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 corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.