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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 Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay 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 uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.