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Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated 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 conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal 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 head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second 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 well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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