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The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.