🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.