Micky van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at Brand New Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees 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 departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, 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 replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

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

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

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

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

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