Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

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

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Jeanne Fuentes
Jeanne Fuentes

A gaming industry analyst with over a decade of experience in UK bingo markets, specializing in regulatory trends and consumer behavior.