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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home 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 opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

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

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

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

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

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