🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck 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 ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player 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 proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.