Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Amy Kidd
Amy Kidd

Lena Visser is a seasoned digital strategist and web developer with over a decade of experience in crafting user-centric online experiences.