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The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

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

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.