🔗 Share this article

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

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.