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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal 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 the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

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 simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.