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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed 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.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Bruce Allen
Bruce Allen

A seasoned metal artist with over 15 years of experience, specializing in traditional forging techniques and modern design innovations.