🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

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

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.