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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged 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 five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

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

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established 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 Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.