Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground
Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.
Key points
Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in first half
The home side's defender has goal ruled after video check
Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments
This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.
But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.
Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.
The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.
But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.
The win moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.
Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.
Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field
After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.
The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.
Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.
Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.
And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.
Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.
Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct
The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.
The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.
The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.
And they were unable to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.
The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.
The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.
It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.
What next for these two sides?
The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.
Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.