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The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

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 Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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 wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

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

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking 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 break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

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

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: 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 Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.