Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to net two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 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.

Barbara Collins
Barbara Collins

A seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience covering international news and policy analysis.

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