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

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.