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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 handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.