🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.