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The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

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

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.