🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

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