🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.