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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

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

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.