🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, 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 drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

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

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust 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 was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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