🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

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

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.