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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Vincent Mendez
Vincent Mendez

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casino strategy and game development.