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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Laura Love
Laura Love

Liam de Vries is a cybersecurity expert and blockchain enthusiast dedicated to providing secure digital asset management solutions.