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The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road 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 the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves 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 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

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 Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

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

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.