Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium
Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.
Key points
The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period
Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review
Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments
This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium
The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.
Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.
But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.
The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.
The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.
But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.
This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.
The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.
Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field
After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.
The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.
Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.
Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.
And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.
The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.
Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch
The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.
The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.
The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.
And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.
The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt 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 wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.
Upcoming fixtures for both teams?
The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.
Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.