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The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck 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 the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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 end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.