Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground
The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.
At a glance
Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half
Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review
Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments
This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground
The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.
But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record 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 thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet 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 ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.
But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.
The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.
The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.
Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field
Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.
The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.
Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.
Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading 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 absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.
The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.
Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch
The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.
The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.
Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.
And they were unable to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.
The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.
The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.
It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.
What next for both teams?
Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.
Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.