Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand 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 Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.
At a glance
The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half
The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review
Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute
This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.
But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.
Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.
The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.
But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.
The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.
Everton remain 14th and are six points clear of the relegation zone.
Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch
Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.
The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.
Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.
Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.
And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.
Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.
Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct
Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.
The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.
The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.
And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.
Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.
Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.
It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.
What next for both teams?
Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.
Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.