Micky van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

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

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

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

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

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

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

William Soto
William Soto

A wellness coach and writer passionate about holistic health and empowering others to find their inner glow through mindful practices.