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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

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

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

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

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

Deborah Owens
Deborah Owens

Elara is a passionate game developer and writer, sharing her expertise on innovative gaming experiences and industry trends.