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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net 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 ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker 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, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker 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 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Diana Jackson
Diana Jackson

Award-winning journalist specializing in political analysis and cultural trends, with over a decade of experience in UK media.