Micky van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

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

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Michelle Martinez
Michelle Martinez

A seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK politics and social issues, Evelyn brings insightful analysis to every story.