Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Run at New Home Ground
Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.
Key points
Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half
Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review
Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute
This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium
The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.
But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.
Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.
The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.
But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.
This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.
Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.
Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field
Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.
The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.
Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.
Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.
And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.
Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.
Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch
The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.
The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.
Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.
And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.
Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.
The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.
It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.
What next for these two sides?
Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.
Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.