🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition 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 was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.