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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.