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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes 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.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

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

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute 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 near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.