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Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place 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 final goal to seal the victory.

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

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

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

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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