Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium
The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.
Key points
The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in opening period
Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check
Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute
This loss is Everton's initial 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 first defeat at their new home.
Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.
But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.
Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.
The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.
But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.
The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.
The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.
Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field
Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.
The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.
Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.
Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.
And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.
The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.
Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch
The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.
The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.
Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.
And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.
Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.
Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.
It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.
What next for both teams?
The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.
Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.