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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

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

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

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.