Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged 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 last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

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

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

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Paul Price
Paul Price

A digital strategist with over 10 years of experience in tech consulting and content creation, passionate about helping businesses thrive online.