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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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 proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

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

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.