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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger 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 division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested 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 chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Cassandra Boyle
Cassandra Boyle

A passionate horticulturist with over a decade of experience in organic gardening and landscape design.