Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

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

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

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

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.