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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, 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 on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.