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Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

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

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.