🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton 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 Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

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

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

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

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.