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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur 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 absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Timothy Greene
Timothy Greene

A passionate DIY enthusiast and home decor blogger sharing practical tips and creative inspirations for everyday projects.