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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

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

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form 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 more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.