Micky van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

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

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Lisa Harper
Lisa Harper

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger passionate about sharing insights on innovation and well-being.