Micky van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

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

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed 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 risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review 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 Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

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

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Andrea Richards
Andrea Richards

A passionate gamer and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in reviewing and analyzing video games for various platforms.