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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker 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 Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose 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 Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.