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Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

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 Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

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

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.