Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground
The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.
At a glance
The Spurs defender heads home two times in opening period
Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review
Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute
This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground
The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.
But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - 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 levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.
Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.
But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.
This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.
The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.
Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field
Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.
The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.
Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.
Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.
And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.
Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.
Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct
The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.
The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.
The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.
And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.
The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.
The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.
It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.
Upcoming fixtures for both teams?
The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.
Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.