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The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up 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.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.