Micky van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Erin Raymond
Erin Raymond

Liam Voss is a seasoned gaming journalist and avid player with over a decade of experience in the industry.