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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in opening period

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

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

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Karen Payne
Karen Payne

A seasoned gambling analyst with over a decade of experience in reviewing online casinos and slot games across Europe.