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The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

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

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.