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The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures 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 Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.