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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

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

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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