🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.