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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 delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.