🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

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

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.