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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, 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.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

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

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

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

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added 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 well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

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

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.