🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

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

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.