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 Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended 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 five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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

Garrett Hanson
Garrett Hanson

A seasoned lifestyle journalist with over a decade of experience covering luxury brands and exclusive events worldwide.