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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable 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.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly 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 major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.