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

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in 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, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour 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 feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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