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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Connie Houston
Connie Houston

Elena Starweaver is an astrologer with 15 years of experience, blending modern psychology with ancient wisdom.