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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed 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 end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

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

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Terri Howell
Terri Howell

Lena is a digital strategist with over 8 years of experience in web development and content marketing, passionate about creating user-centric designs.