🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

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

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.