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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 Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, 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 the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged 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 cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

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

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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