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

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

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

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

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

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.