🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

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

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, 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. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.