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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising 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.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

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

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, 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 replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

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

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.