Van de Ven Double Ends Everton's 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 Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Robert Holden
Robert Holden

Award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK media and political landscapes.