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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

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

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.