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Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

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

Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

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

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 the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.