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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

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

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Douglas Jennings
Douglas Jennings

A tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK media and technology sectors, specializing in digital transformation and innovation.