Micky van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated 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 the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

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

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes 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 outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Ashley Carr
Ashley Carr

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in casino trends and online slot reviews.