🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while 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 number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

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

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

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

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.