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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal 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 pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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