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

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

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

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.