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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine 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 review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

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

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored only 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 night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.