Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Run at Brand New Home Ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.