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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Christina Smith
Christina Smith

Techstrateeg en contentmaker met een passie voor disruptieve technologieën en duurzame digitale transformatie.