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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park 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 put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed 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 end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.