Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium
Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.
Key points
Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period
The home side's defender has goal ruled after VAR review
Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments
The defeat is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.
But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record 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 thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.
The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.
But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.
The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.
The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.
Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field
Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.
The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.
Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.
Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.
And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.
The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.
Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct
The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.
The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.
Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.
And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.
Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.
Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.
It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.
Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?
Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.
Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.