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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper 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 matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Brenda Stewart
Brenda Stewart

A UK-based lifestyle writer with a passion for modern design and sustainable fashion, sharing insights from over a decade in the industry.