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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

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

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Daniel Armstrong
Daniel Armstrong

Eleanor Ashford is a literary scholar and editor specializing in modernist poetry and digital humanities.