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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.