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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

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 Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

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

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

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

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.