Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

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

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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