Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at Brand New Home Ground

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

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

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

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

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.