🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.