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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.