🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.