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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record 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 put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally 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, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

William Dixon
William Dixon

Liam is a seasoned casino reviewer with 10 years of experience in online gaming.