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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: 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 flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Cristina Day
Cristina Day

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience specializing in online slots and casino trends across the UK market.