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The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

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

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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