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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to score twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games 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 recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Elizabeth White
Elizabeth White

A seasoned business strategist with over 15 years of experience in corporate leadership and entrepreneurship.