🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.