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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

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

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, 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.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head 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 Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.