Micky van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, 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 first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank 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 replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Benjamin Ford
Benjamin Ford

Elise is a passionate blogger and product enthusiast from Amsterdam, exploring unique trends and sharing honest reviews.