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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

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

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

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

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.