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The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.