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The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

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

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

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

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

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.