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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Karen Stevenson
Karen Stevenson

A passionate gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering indie and AAA titles across multiple platforms.