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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

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

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed 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 the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

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

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. 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 top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.