Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground
Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.
At a glance
Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in opening period
Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check
Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments
This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground
The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.
But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.
Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.
Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.
But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.
The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.
Everton remain 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.
Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch
After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.
The summer signing 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 wasn't needed in the end.
Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.
Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.
And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.
The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.
Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch
The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.
The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.
The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.
And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.
Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.
Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.
It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.
Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?
The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.
Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.