🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed 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.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

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

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

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

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.