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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 initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions 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 - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review 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 Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

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

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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 turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.