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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively 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 recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.