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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, 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 Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.