Micky van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Stephanie Wheeler
Stephanie Wheeler

Evelyn is a seasoned office supplies expert with a passion for helping businesses enhance their workspace efficiency and professionalism.