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

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

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

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries 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 freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.