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Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's 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 record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game 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 Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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