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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

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

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal 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 powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled 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 freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

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

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Anthony Lopez
Anthony Lopez

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience in online casinos, specializing in slot game analysis and UK gambling trends.