Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton 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 Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - 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 Everton corner.

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

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

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

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Logan Morgan
Logan Morgan

Sports betting analyst with 10 years of experience in odds analysis and strategy development.