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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

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

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine'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 effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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