🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees 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 conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.