🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

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

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

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

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.