🔗 Share this article

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

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable 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 believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of the field

After a drab weekday display 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 former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition 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 wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.