🔗 Share this article

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

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position 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 weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.