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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

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

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

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

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

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