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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated 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 conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

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

What next for these two sides?

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

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.