Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium
Micky van de Ven became the first defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.
Key points
The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half
The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check
Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute
This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.
But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.
Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.
The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.
But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.
This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.
The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.
Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch
After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.
The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.
Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.
Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.
And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.
The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.
Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch
Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.
The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.
Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.
And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.
The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.
Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.
It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.
What next for both teams?
Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.
Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.