Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Run at New Home Ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

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

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.