🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated 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 conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium 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 concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

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

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.