Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground
Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.
Key points
Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in first half
Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review
Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments
The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium
The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.
But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.
Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.
The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.
But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.
This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.
Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.
Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field
Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.
The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.
Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.
Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.
And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.
The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.
Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct
The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.
The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.
The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.
And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.
The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.
The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.
It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.
Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?
Everton: The team travel 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 League Cup match against Newcastle.