🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, 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 the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.