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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.