Micky van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton remain 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

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

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Timothy Lloyd
Timothy Lloyd

A passionate nature photographer and storyteller who captures the serene beauty of forests and wildlife through her lens.