Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward 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 final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

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

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.