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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number 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 VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted 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 back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

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