Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium
Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.
Key points
Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in first half
The home side's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review
Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute
This loss is Everton's first at their new ground
Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.
Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.
But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck 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 the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.
The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet 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 succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.
But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.
This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.
The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.
Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch
Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.
The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.
Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.
Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.
And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.
Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.
Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch
Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.
The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.
The forward and Thierno Barry - 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.
The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.
The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.
It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.
What next for both teams?
The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.
Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.