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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century 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 place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

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

Everton stay 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.