🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.