Micky van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

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

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing 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 - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

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

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Hunter Watts
Hunter Watts

Certified personal trainer and nutritionist with over 8 years of experience in holistic wellness coaching.