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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

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

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Janet Bridges
Janet Bridges

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