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The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force 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 the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

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

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.