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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games 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 departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place 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 third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.