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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

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

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

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

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Ricky Rivas
Ricky Rivas

A linguist specializing in Slavic languages with over a decade of teaching experience.