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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager 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 an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light 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 League Cup match against Newcastle.