Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground
Micky van de Ven became the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.
Key points
Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half
The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check
Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments
This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.
The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.
But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.
The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.
The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.
But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.
The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.
The Merseyside club stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.
Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch
Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.
The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.
Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.
Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.
And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.
Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.
Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch
The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.
The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.
Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.
And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.
The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.
The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.
It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.
What next for both teams?
The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.
Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.