Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium
The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to score twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.
Key points
Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in opening period
Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check
Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments
This loss is Everton's first at their new ground
The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.
But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.
Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.
The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.
But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.
The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.
Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.
Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field
Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.
The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.
Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.
Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.
And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.
The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.
Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct
The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.
The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.
Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.
And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.
The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.
The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.
It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.
Upcoming fixtures for both teams?
The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.
Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.