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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

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

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.