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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's 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 score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.