🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton 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 last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check 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 Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable 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 Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.