Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground
Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.
Key points
Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in opening period
The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review
Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments
This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground
Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees 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 departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.
But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record 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 believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.
The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.
But the video assistant referee intervened, 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 impeded with the Spurs keeper.
This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.
The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.
Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch
Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.
The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.
Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.
Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.
And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.
The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.
Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch
The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.
The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.
Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.
And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.
The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.
Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.
It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.
What next for both teams?
Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.
Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.