🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

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

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

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

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.