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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss 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 the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Tracey Campos
Tracey Campos

Elara is a passionate environmental scientist and writer, dedicated to sharing knowledge on sustainability and green technologies.