Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

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

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Nicole Reed
Nicole Reed

A travel writer and cultural enthusiast documenting hidden gems across Canada with a focus on sustainable exploration.