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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton 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 departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

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

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Kimberly Mitchell
Kimberly Mitchell

A Prague-based journalist passionate about Czech culture and current affairs, with over a decade of experience in media.

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