Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground
The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.
Match summary
Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half
Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review
Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute
The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground
Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.
The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.
But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.
The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.
The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.
But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.
The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.
The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.
Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field
Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani 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 an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.
Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.
Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.
And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.
Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.
Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch
Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.
The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.
The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.
And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.
Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.
The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.
It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.
Upcoming fixtures for both teams?
The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.
Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.