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Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted 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 reckoned with.

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

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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