Micky van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

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

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

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 readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Wyatt Coleman
Wyatt Coleman

Award-winning photographer specializing in landscape and urban photography, with over a decade of experience teaching workshops across the UK.