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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

At a glance

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Janice Mcfarland
Janice Mcfarland

A tech journalist and lifestyle blogger with a passion for exploring digital innovations and cultural trends.