🔗 Share this article

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

Everton were unbeaten 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 the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack 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 final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

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