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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to score twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Roger Sloan
Roger Sloan

A passionate gamer and tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering the gaming industry and emerging technologies.