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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

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 end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair 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 slightly and fans flocked to the gates 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 will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.