Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium
Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.
Key points
Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in opening period
Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check
Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute
The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground
Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.
But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.
The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender'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 number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.
But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.
The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.
The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.
Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch
Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.
The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.
Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.
Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.
And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.
Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.
Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct
Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.
The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.
The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.
And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.
The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.
The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.
It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.
Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?
Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.
Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.