Micky van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium
Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.
Match summary
Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in opening period
Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review
Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute
This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.
Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.
But Tottenham's leader 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 Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.
Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.
The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.
But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.
The win moves Thomas Frank'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 are six points clear of the relegation zone.
Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch
After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.
The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.
Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.
Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.
And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.
Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.
Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct
Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.
The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.
The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.
And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.
The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.
Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.
It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.
Upcoming fixtures for both teams?
Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.
Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.