🔗 Share this article

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

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.