Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium
Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.
Match summary
The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in first half
The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review
Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute
This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Toffees 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 end of last season.
But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.
Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.
The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.
But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.
The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.
The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.
Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch
Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.
The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.
Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.
Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.
And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - 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 defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.
Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch
The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.
The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.
Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.
And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.
Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.
The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.
It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.
What next for both teams?
The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.
Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.