🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home 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 impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising 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 impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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 wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium 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 unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.