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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century 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 place their impressive record at jeopardy, 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 seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert 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 the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto 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 delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.