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

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.