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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.