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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 delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful 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 succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

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