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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Grace Cruz
Grace Cruz

Dr. Amelia Verhoeven is an education historian specializing in classical pedagogy and its modern applications.