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Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees 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 fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.