🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees 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 end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.