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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

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

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Miguel Mckenzie Jr.
Miguel Mckenzie Jr.

Elena Hartfield is a seasoned journalist and editor with over a decade of experience covering UK affairs, specializing in business innovation and digital trends.