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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Lori Carey
Lori Carey

A seasoned casino enthusiast with over a decade of experience in online gaming, specializing in slot machine strategies and industry trends.