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Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

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

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - 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 miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

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