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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten 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 Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien 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 set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory 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 relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front 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 turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

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

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.