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Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked 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 - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.