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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

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

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

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.