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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Carl Forbes
Carl Forbes

A tech futurist and AI researcher passionate about exploring how digital advancements transform society and daily life.