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The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check 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 Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

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

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

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

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.