Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium
The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.
At a glance
Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in opening period
The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check
Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute
The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures 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 Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.
Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.
The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.
But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.
The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.
Everton stay 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.
Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field
Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.
The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.
Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.
Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.
And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.
The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.
Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch
Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.
The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.
The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.
And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.
The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.
The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.
It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.
What next for both teams?
Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.
Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.