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Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat 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 official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.