🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.