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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing 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 end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

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

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Claudia Lindsey
Claudia Lindsey

Elena Forsberg is a Swedish author and fortune enthusiast who explores the intersection of luck and daily life.