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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute 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 golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.