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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

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

This victory elevates the manager'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 are six points clear of the drop zone.

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

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.