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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered 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 departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.