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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton 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 Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

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

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Tom Griffin
Tom Griffin

A tech enthusiast and gaming expert with over a decade of experience in hardware reviews and esports analysis.