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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham 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 last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces 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 Richarlison - headed home 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 opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, 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 coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.