🔗 Share this article

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

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

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

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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