Spurs entered this fixture following a controversial 2-1 victory over Liverpool last weekend, where Jurgen Klopp's side were denied a legitimate goal due to a "significant human error" by VAR operator Darren England.
It meant three points for Ange Postecoglou's team at Luton would send them to the summit for at least 24 hours, but they had to work hard for it after Yves Bissouma was sent off in first-half stoppage-time.
Bissouma was booked twice in quick succession by referee John Brooks, the second for simulation, but Van de Ven's close-range finish in the 52nd minute earned Tottenham a hard-fought win.
Postecoglou said the final result was due to a great collective effort by the Spurs.
"His team-mates made sure that mistake didn't cost us and I'm sure when Biss gets back in the team he will reciprocate and make sure that whatever else happens he can get us over the line. "
For Erik ten Hag and Manchester United there was relief aftter a late 2-1 comeback win against Brentford on Saturday.
The wild celebrations that greeted the final whistle at Old Trafford, however, did not disguise the problems that continue to plague the 20-time league champions and prompted Ten Hag to demand action from his players.
With back-to-back league wins for the first time since March and three in a row in all competitions, Chelsea is beginning to take shape under Mauricio Pochettino. Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling is firing again and Cole Palmer has hit the ground running.
Even going behind at Burnley couldn't derail Pochettino's team as it completed a 4-1 rout at Turf Moor.
Everton responded impressively to last week's home loss to Luton with a 3-0 win against Bournemouth. It was only the Merseyside club's second win of the season and helped ease the pressure on manager Sean Dyche, while Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is still waiting for his first win in the league.
Sheffield United is also still looking for its first win since being promoted back to the top flight after a 3-1 loss at Fulham left the Blades at the bottom of the table.
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