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

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

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

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

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

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

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.