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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading 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 second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Molly Peters
Molly Peters

Digital marketing strategist with a decade of experience in data-driven campaigns and brand growth.