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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

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

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

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

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal 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 head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

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

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.