Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

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

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road 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 referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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

Katherine Spencer
Katherine Spencer

Professional online gaming analyst with 10 years of experience in the industry.