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The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.