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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

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

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead 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 Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.