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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.