🔗 Share this article

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

The Toffees were unbeaten 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 last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

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

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder'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 are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had netted only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized 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.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

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

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.