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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

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

Beto, meanwhile, 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 VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

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

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 Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.