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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, 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.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

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

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.