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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

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

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

Beto'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 more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. Most 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 these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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

Stephanie Riddle
Stephanie Riddle

Elin is a certified fitness trainer and Nordic equipment specialist, passionate about helping people create effective home gym setups.