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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession 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 stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto 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 the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Melissa Bird
Melissa Bird

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and their impact on society.