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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

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

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

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

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 free the defender to head home.

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

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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