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The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.