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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

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

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.