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

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home 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, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.