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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game 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 the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed 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 skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.