Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

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

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

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

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

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 free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.