Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium
The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.
Key points
Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in first half
Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review
Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute
The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground
Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.
But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.
Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.
Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.
But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.
The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.
The Merseyside club remain 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.
Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field
After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.
The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.
Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.
Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.
And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.
The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.
Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct
Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.
The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.
Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.
And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.
The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.
Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.
It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.
What next for both teams?
The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.
Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.