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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized 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, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

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

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.