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Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

Following a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival 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 end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.