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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss 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 conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.