Van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario 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 guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Sharon Gill
Sharon Gill

Elara is a nature writer and environmental advocate with a passion for documenting sustainable practices and cultural traditions.