Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, 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 corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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 end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Robert Jones
Robert Jones

Elena Hartwell is an interior designer with 10 years of experience, passionate about creating functional and stylish homes.