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The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, 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 set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

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

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

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

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.