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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

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

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just 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 evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Kathleen Lopez
Kathleen Lopez

Mira Chen is an environmental scientist and writer specializing in geospatial analysis and sustainable development, with over a decade of field experience.