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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to score twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager 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 replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Heather Kerr
Heather Kerr

A seasoned betting analyst with over a decade of experience in the New Zealand gaming industry, specializing in odds analysis and responsible gambling practices.

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