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

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

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

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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