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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Donald Delacruz
Donald Delacruz

Urban planner and sustainability advocate with a passion for city life and modern design.

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