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The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday 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 summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

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

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.