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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.