🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck 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 - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.