🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven 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 Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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