🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising 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 side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits 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 striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.