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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front 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 an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added 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, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat 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 worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland 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 next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.