Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium
The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.
Key points
Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in first half
Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review
Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments
The defeat is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium
The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park 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 unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.
The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.
The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.
But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.
This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.
Everton stay 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.
Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field
Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.
The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.
Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.
Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.
And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.
The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.
Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch
Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.
The end in Everton'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' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.
And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.
Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.
The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.
It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.
Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?
The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.
Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.