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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 handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten 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 conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

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

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted only 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 night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.