Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

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

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder 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 skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

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

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

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

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

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

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