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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen 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 goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Samantha Thompson
Samantha Thompson

Seasoned betting analyst with a decade of experience in sports gambling and casino game strategies.