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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 delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out 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 directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.