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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

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

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact 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 Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Alexandra Hammond
Alexandra Hammond

Elara is a seasoned gaming analyst with a passion for uncovering the best online casino experiences and sharing strategic advice.