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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes 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.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

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

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

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

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.