Micky van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to score twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker 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 Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: 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 fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

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

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Elizabeth Stone
Elizabeth Stone

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in casino technology and slot machine mechanics, passionate about helping players make informed decisions.