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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits 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.

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

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Catherine Hoffman
Catherine Hoffman

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in web development and SEO, passionate about helping businesses grow online.