Micky van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

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

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches 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 struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

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

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Angelica Williams
Angelica Williams

A mindfulness coach and writer passionate about helping others achieve mental clarity and personal transformation through daily practices.