🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

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 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

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

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.