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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss 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 end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half 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 final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.