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

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.