🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net twice 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 unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck 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 final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized 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, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

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

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

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

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.