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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - 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 bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

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

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space 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 wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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