🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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