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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak 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 new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

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

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

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

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

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

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Daisy Nelson
Daisy Nelson

A tech enthusiast and software developer with over a decade of experience in web technologies and digital innovation.