🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

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

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

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

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.