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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.