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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.