Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

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

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, 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.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack 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 wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

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

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

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.