Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground
Micky van de Ven became the first defender to score twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.
At a glance
Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period
The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review
Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute
This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.
The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.
But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.
The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.
The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.
But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.
The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.
Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.
Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field
After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.
The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.
Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.
Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.
And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.
The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.
Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch
The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.
The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.
The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.
And they were unable to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.
The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.
Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.
It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.
What next for both teams?
Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.
Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.