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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker 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 leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

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

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

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

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

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

What next for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Michael Harris
Michael Harris

A blockchain journalist and crypto enthusiast with a background in fintech, covering decentralized finance and emerging technologies.