🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.