🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees 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 conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

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