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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to score two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

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 gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

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

Virginia Mason
Virginia Mason

Jane is a nutritionist and food blogger passionate about promoting healthy eating through fresh fruits.