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The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back 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 six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.