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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading 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 - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

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

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

John Lam
John Lam

An experienced educator passionate about innovative teaching methods and student success.