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The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home 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 the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.