Micky van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton 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 end of last season.

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 Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable 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 end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

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

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

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

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Shannon Holland
Shannon Holland

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience in online casinos and slot game analysis.