🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, 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 relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

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

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.