🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton remain 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

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

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.