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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 the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces 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 final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time 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 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.