Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground
Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.
Match summary
Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half
Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check
Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments
This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.
But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.
Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.
The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.
But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish 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 division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.
The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the drop zone.
Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field
After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.
The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.
Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.
Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.
And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.
Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.
Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch
Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.
The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.
The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.
And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.
Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.
Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.
It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.
Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?
The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.
Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.