Van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

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

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

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

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Craig Richardson
Craig Richardson

A tech journalist and software developer with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and digital trends.