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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

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

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

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

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

William Curtis
William Curtis

Award-winning journalist with over 15 years of experience covering international affairs and cultural trends across Europe and Asia.