Van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Duane Pacheco
Duane Pacheco

Elara Vance is a seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting strategies and statistical modeling.