Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground
Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.
Key points
Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in opening period
Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review
Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments
This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground
The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.
The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.
But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.
The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.
The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.
But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.
This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.
The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the drop zone.
Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field
After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.
The new arrival was failed 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 final outcome.
Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.
Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.
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.
Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.
Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch
Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.
The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.
Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.
And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.
The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.
The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto 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 delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.
What next for both teams?
The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.
Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.