Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium
Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.
Key points
Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in first half
Everton's defender has goal disallowed after video check
Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute
This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.
Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.
But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.
The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.
Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.
But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee 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 side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.
Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.
Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field
Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.
The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary 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 corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.
And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.
The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.
Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct
The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.
The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.
The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.
And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.
Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.
The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.
It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.
Upcoming fixtures for both teams?
The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.
Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.