🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.