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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton 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 left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen 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 division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: 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 only two shots on goal, the manager 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 substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.