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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

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

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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