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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

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

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

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, 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' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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