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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing 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 corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

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

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.