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Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check 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 Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.