Micky van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton 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 end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced 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 attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored 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 in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Gregg Williams
Gregg Williams

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in web design and brand development, passionate about crafting user-centric online experiences.