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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

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

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr'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 striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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