🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert 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 Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, 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 substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.