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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward 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 turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Michael Russell
Michael Russell

Emma is een lokale journalist en fervent ontdekkingsreiziger die de verborgen pareltjes van Arnhem blootlegt.