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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

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

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

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

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.