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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

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

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Jimmy Martinez
Jimmy Martinez

An avid traveler and writer with over a decade of experience exploring remote destinations and sharing practical tips for adventurous souls.