Micky van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end 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 strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

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

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Christine Brewer
Christine Brewer

A tech journalist specializing in UK digital ecosystems, with over a decade of experience covering innovation and startup culture.