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Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession 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, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

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