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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.