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The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

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

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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