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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

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

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact 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 converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

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

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.