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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten 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 the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

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

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.