Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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 Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking 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 headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Sergio Parks
Sergio Parks

A passionate writer and life coach dedicated to helping others achieve their full potential through actionable advice.