🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton 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 left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful 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 fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

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

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.