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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank 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 the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

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

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

David Simon
David Simon

Elena Voss is a freelance writer and cultural critic based in Berlin, specializing in contemporary art and digital culture.