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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half 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 - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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