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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

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

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Jesse Wagner
Jesse Wagner

Eleanor Whitmore is a lifestyle journalist and luxury brand consultant based in London.