Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium
Micky van de Ven became the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.
Key points
Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period
The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review
Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments
This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground
Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.
But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.
The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.
The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.
But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.
The win moves the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.
Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.
Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field
Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.
The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.
Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.
Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.
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 head home.
Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.
Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct
The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.
The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.
The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.
And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.
The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.
Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.
It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.
Upcoming fixtures for both teams?
The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.
Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.