🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

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

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

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

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.