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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended 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 left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

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

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.