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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper 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 defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

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

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

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

Alexander Houston
Alexander Houston

Eleanor Hartwell is a digital strategist and content creator with over a decade of experience in helping businesses thrive online.