🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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