Micky van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to score twice in a Premier League 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 Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged 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 more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust 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 lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Stephanie Hill
Stephanie Hill

A passionate gamer and content creator specializing in Minecraft mods and gaming tutorials.