Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium
Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.
At a glance
Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period
Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review
Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute
The defeat is Everton's first at their new ground
Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.
But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.
Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.
The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.
But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.
The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.
The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.
Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field
After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.
The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.
Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.
Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.
And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.
Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.
Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch
Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.
The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.
Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.
And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.
Beto's performance 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 attempt that would have challenged Vicario.
The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.
It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.
Upcoming fixtures for both teams?
The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.
Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.