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Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

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

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank 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 an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.