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Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners 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 former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

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

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

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

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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