🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward 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 Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

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

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.