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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Julie Dominguez
Julie Dominguez

A tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and consumer electronics.