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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 delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

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

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee 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.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

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 relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.