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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

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

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

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

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Joseph Henry
Joseph Henry

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casinos, specializing in slot machine mechanics and player strategies.