Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground
Micky van de Ven became the first defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.
Key points
Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in opening period
The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check
Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute
This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground
Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.
The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.
But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.
Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.
Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.
But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.
This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.
The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.
Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field
Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.
The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.
Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.
Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.
And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.
The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.
Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch
Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.
The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.
The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.
And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.
Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.
The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.
It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.
Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?
Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.
Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.