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The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.