Van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

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

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed 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 David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.