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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally 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, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

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

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

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

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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