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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

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

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.