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

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

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, 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 thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

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

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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