Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

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

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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