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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario 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 video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.