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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions 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 Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

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

The win elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Chelsea Nguyen
Chelsea Nguyen

Elena Rivers is a professional poker player and strategist with over a decade of experience in high-stakes tournaments.