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Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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