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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted 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 the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.