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Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end 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 risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward 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 add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.