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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing 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.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

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

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.