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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged 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 corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

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

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

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