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Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record 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 put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check 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 Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break 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 Everton's two established strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

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

What next for both teams?

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

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