Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Run at New Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten 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 Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded 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 the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

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

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable 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 close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

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

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