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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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