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Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded 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.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of the field

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.