Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground
Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.
At a glance
Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in first half
Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review
Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute
The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground
Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.
The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.
But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.
The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.
Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.
But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.
The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.
Everton remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.
Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field
Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.
The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.
Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.
Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.
And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.
The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.
Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct
Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.
The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.
The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.
And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.
The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.
Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.
It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.
Upcoming fixtures for both teams?
Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.
Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.