🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing 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 series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

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

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.