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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

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

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

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

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had netted only one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Christina Williams
Christina Williams

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering online casinos and betting strategies across Europe.