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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Lisa Poole
Lisa Poole

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in slot game mechanics and player strategy optimization.