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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees 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 their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable 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 the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

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

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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