🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium 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 Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces 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 Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - 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 damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.