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 defender to score two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around 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 tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

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

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Tamara Frank
Tamara Frank

A seasoned communication strategist with over 10 years of experience in nonprofit and corporate sectors, passionate about storytelling and digital engagement.