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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton 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 gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.