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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

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 unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor 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 team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

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

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

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

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.