🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted 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 a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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